AbTF’s report highlights progress in African cotton cultivation

The Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) has released its annual report on the progress of the Cotton made in Africa (CmiA) initiative, showing positive developments since 2022. The report revealed that working conditions and support for small-scale farmers have been rated as “very good.”

The report explained that independent third parties conducted regular assessments of the standards in cotton fields and ginneries through verifications. The verification results showed notable improvements since 2022. Partners achieved top scores in areas such as access to high-quality inputs for small-scale farmers, pre-financing, and cotton fibre availability.

AbTF noted “excellent” scores were awarded for transparency in the supply chain, particularly in traceability, fair classification, and payment systems for seed cotton, as well as prompt payments to farmers contracted under CmiA. Working conditions and farmer support were rated as “very good,” due in part to a strong focus on employee rights, health, and regulated working hours.

In terms of environmental standards, the report confirmed that CmiA cotton is grown strictly without genetically modified seeds and without irrigation using surface water or groundwater.

Elena Wahrenberg, CmiA’s verification manager at AbTF, emphasized that verifications maintain the credibility of their standards, and that close collaboration with local partners has improved cotton farming in Africa. She added that ongoing training programs will continue to enhance the adaptability and resilience of small-scale farmers and their agricultural practices.