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.... Continue Reading
Article
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 Impact
Our work to cultivate rural prosperity brings real, measurable benefits for farmers, forest communities and Indigenous peoples around the world.
Building a sustainable forest economy
US$69.7 million
earned by our Maya Biosphere Reserve community partners from 2013-2021*
The Rainforest Alliance has been working with the community forestry concessions in Guatemala’s Maya Biosphere Reserve since 1999—helping to develop thriving forest enterprises based on the responsible harvesting and processing of non-timber forest products (such as nuts and palm fronds), in addition to timber for export, according to the rigorous standard of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
*2013-2021 earnings from 100+ small and medium-sized forest-based businesses in the community concessions of Guatemala’s Maya Biosphere Reserve.
Improving farmer incomes
40% higher cocoa income
on West African small-scale certified farms*
In 70 countries, farmers are trained in more sustainable practices that boost climate resilience, conserve biodiversity, and promote worker wellbeing—while also helping to increase productivity and improve their incomes. Learn more
*Three studies published in 2018-2020 reveal that income from cocoa production is 40% higher on average on Rainforest Alliance and UTZ Certified farms in Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire, compared to non-certified farms:
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.... Continue Reading
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.... Continue Reading
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.... Continue Reading
All resources for Livelihoods
These Banana Farms in Costa Rica Are Growing a Brighter Future
Rich biodiversity? Check. Well-treated workers? Check. Prepared for climate events? Check. Costa Rica's banana industry has a long history of worker abuse and environmental destruction—but these certified farms are proving there's a better way.... Continue Reading
2023 Annual Report | Destination: Regeneration
Dive into our 2023 Annual Report to learn about the strides we’ve made toward a regenerative future.
The Power of Forest Restoration in Ghana’s Sui River Landscape
In Ghana's Sui River region, we empower local communities to combat deforestation and climate change through regenerative agriculture, forest restoration, and sustainable economic practices. ... Continue Reading
Chocolate Prices Have Soared. A New Law Threatens to Keep Them High
The Wall Street Journal spotlights the challenges facing smallholder cocoa farmers in West Africa as the EU Regulation on Deforestation-free Products (EUDR) takes effect. It also highlights the Rainforest Alliance's on-the-ground role in helping these farmers align with the legislation's requirements.
Can the rising cost of chocolate help cocoa producers go green?
Climate Change News delves deep into the intricate dynamics of the cocoa industry, with a particular focus on West Africa. Rainforest Alliance experts highlight how the recent cocoa price hikes have underscored the industry's susceptibility to climate change and the pressing need for more sustainable and regenerative farming approaches.
Project Profile: A Partnership for Sustainable Farming in Tropical Asian Landscapes
The Sustainable Farming in Tropical Asian Landscapes (SFITAL) project aims to link small-scale producers to global supply chains in an environmentally sustainable, economically viable, and socially responsible manner.... Continue Reading