West Africa
The majority of people living in West Africa are farmers. Cocoa, cotton and fruits are crops that thrive in the poor West African soils. But farmers often use outdated farming techniques and are weakly organized. As a result their yields are low and of poor quality; they struggle to get access to markets and to credit for improving their yields.
Aiming for a stronger market position
The Regional Expertise Centre (REC) West Africa, based in Ghana, is in the process of being established. It will be working on capacity building and organizational development of producer organizations. It will also support farmers in obtaining market access.
Additionally, the REC West Africa will support producers in the certification of their products; essential for accessing the growing market for responsibly produced and traded products. Certification increases the value of products, and provides producers with a stronger market position.
Vacancies
Cases
We offer
REC West Africa works on sustainable supply chains in close collaboration with Solidaridad's worldwide network of expertise centres and local partners. Together we deliver the following services:
To producers
- Training farmers in farming techniques that have less negative impact on people and the environment and lead to better quality yields.
- Assisting producer organizations to get access to markets.
- Supporting agricultural producer organizations and industrial producer companies to qualify for social and environmental certification standards.
To companies
- Supporting companies to implement corporate social responsibility (CSR) related to sourcing in developing countries.
- Supporting sustainable business initiatives with marketing and communication to inform business partners and consumers.
Other
- Developing certification standards for sustainable production.
- Supporting civil society organizations that empower women, farmers or employees, as well as organizations that protect nature and bio diversity.
- Seeking dialogue with stakeholders and the public using our knowledge, experience and views on sustainable economic development and corporate social responsibility.