Comparing corporate sustainability programmes, social entrepreneurship, and cooperatives in shaping farmers’ well-being
Abstract
Abstract The governance of sustainability in agri-food value chains has evolved beyond conventional certification strategies. Corporate sustainability programs, social enterprises, and cooperatives are key complementary or alternative strategies. However, their relative contributions to farmers’ well-being remain unclear. Therefore, we conducted a household survey of 634 cocoa and coffee farmers distributed across three production hotspots in the Peruvian Amazon. We use the Personal Well-being Index to compare well-being among and between farmers involved in the various strategies. Results show that farmers engaged in any strategy of sustainability governance report higher well-being than independent farmers. However, only social enterprise strategies remained a significant contributor to overall farmers’ well-being after controlling for certification, context, household, and demographic variables. Our findings challenge traditional productivity centered approaches and emphasize the importance of incorporating localized, socially tailored strategies to enhance the well-being of farmers within agri-food value chains.
Key Points
Objective
This research aims to explore how different sustainability strategies impact farmers' well-being in the Peruvian Amazon.
Methods
- Conducted a household survey with 634 cocoa and coffee farmers
- Analyzed well-being using the Personal Well-being Index
- Compared well-being across farmers involved in corporate sustainability programs, social enterprises, and cooperatives
Results
- Farmers engaged in any sustainability strategy report higher well-being than independent farmers
- Social enterprise strategies were a significant contributor to well-being after controlling for various factors
- Traditional productivity approaches are challenged, highlighting the need for localized strategies