CottonConnect publishes its first Impact Report
True responsibility lies in a commitment not just to the activities and outcomes of interventions to improve sustainability but the impact. CottonConnect monitors the results of our agricultural training programmes and reports on how activities and outcomes are having positive impacts on the environment, climate and livelihoods in our first Impact Report.
For CottonConnect, it’s not just about reducing the negative impacts of cotton cultivation on the environment. The sustainable cotton programmes we run are designed to have a positive impact on the environment by improving soil health, biodiversity and water management. Our training is building the resilience of cotton farming communities through gender equality and financial equity, and we involve farmers in decision-making.
Our Impact Report 2022 reports the results of programmes in the cotton production year 2021-22, including the REEL Cotton Programme, Organic Cotton Farmer Training Programme, Women in Cotton, and Health and Safety for Gins. The REEL Cotton Programme, with data aggregated from all programmes in 2021-22, increased profit for REEL Cotton farmers by 18.1%, with a 6.6% increase in yield and an 11.4% reduction in input costs compared with control farmers. Sustainable agricultural practices reduced the impact of cotton farming on the environment, with chemical use reduced by 16.6%, chemical fertiliser use reduced by 20.4% and water use reduced by 11.4%.
In addition to the regular programme data measurement, CottonConnect invested in an LCA study of REEL Cotton to better understand how outcomes of REEL’s sustainable agricultural practices translate into impacts on the environment and climate. The results showed a clear improvement across the majority of indicators for the REEL Cotton Programme.
For brands, the impact results can provide assurance that investment in sustainable cotton programmes delivers results, improving farmers’ livelihoods and reducing the impact of cotton production on the environment, contributing to sustainable sourcing and ESG goals.
For the cotton industry, the impact results and LCA study advance understanding of how sustainable agricultural practices can positively impact the environment, climate and livelihoods.
