Thriving Communities, Healthy Landscapes
We're helping more than two million farmers embrace more sustainable growing practices that can help build resilience to climate change and boost yields.
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What's at Stake
Across the tropics, farming and forest communities face a daily struggle to cover life’s basic needs. Breaking the cycle of rural poverty—and tackling the ensuing impacts for people and nature—is critical for a more sustainable future for us all.
RURAL POVERTY, DEFORESTATION, AND HUMAN RIGHTS
Rural poverty is at the root of many of our most pressing global challenges, from child labor and poor working conditions to deforestation for agricultural expansion. Economic desperation exacerbates these complex issues, which are deeply embedded in global supply chains. The result is a vicious cycle of environmental destruction and human suffering.
Our Work: Livelihoods
The Rainforest Alliance partners with frontline communities to build thriving rural economies rooted in more sustainable growing practices and forest stewardship. We also promote responsible business practices to ensure that companies recognize and reward sustainability transformation—in the field as well as the boardroom.
Our Work to Improve Rural Livelihoods
To improve rural livelihoods, we foster deep collaboration between farmers, civil society organizations, companies, and governments.
Our Work with the Global Living Wage Coalition
The Rainforest Alliance believes that workers around the world should be paid enough money to provide a decent life for themselves and their families.
Innovative Ways to Enhance Living Income for Cocoa Farmers
At the Rainforest Alliance, we believe in a shared responsibility approach that encourages companies to do their part in ensuring a living income for farmers. This is the basis of our initiatives, the Living Income Module and the Living Income Fund.
All resources for Livelihoods
Amazon Rainforest Facing Most Devastating Fires Ever Seen
Experts believe this year's Amazon rainforest fires could be the worst yet, after deforestation rose 17% on 2020.
Our Work to Improve Rural Livelihoods
To improve rural livelihoods, we foster deep collaboration between farmers, civil society organizations, companies, and governments.... Continue Reading
2020 Annual Report: We Thrive Together
Explore our achievements and discover what gave us energy and hope in 2020—a year unlike any other.
Protecting the World’s Forests Takes a Village—and Then Some
Climate change and inequality are inextricably bound, and we need to recognize that who owns, controls, and benefits from natural resources determines the future of the land—and the communities who call it home.
Building Cocoa Ambassadors: A Case Study on Youth Capacity-Building in Jembrana, Indonesia
Like many other regions and sectors, there is a dearth of young farmers entering the cocoa value chain in Jembrana. Only 10% of the famers in Jembrana are youth. Many young students living in rural areas in Indonesia attend agriculture schools because they are an affordable and accessible alternative to traveling to major cities to […]
Nuestra Selva, Nuestro Futuro: A Case Study on Experiential Learning in Calakmul, Mexico
The Rainforest Alliance has been working since 2016 with youth and community partners in Calakmul, Mexico to prepare young people for a meaningful and financially viable future within their communities. The ability of youth to access employment and education in their communities is crucial to combating out-migration and ensuring the continuation of sustainable farming and […]