Good Practices

Cotton made in Africa works on the principles of a social business. That means the initiative operates in accordance with sound business methods, except that it does not aim to maximize the profits of individuals, but rather to improve the conditions of life of a large number of African cotton farmers. In order to do that, it is building an alliance of international retail companies that has targeted demand in the global market for sustainably produced cotton and that uses this material in its products. Cotton made in Africa acts in accordance with the rules of the market, avoiding subsidies or interventions in the system of world market prices, which are dependent on supply and demand, as are the prices of practically all raw materials.

In return for the right to produce garments labeled “Cotton made in Africa,” the members of the Demand Alliance pay license fees. The surplus from this is passed on in accordance with the principles of a social business to the partners who have made the label possible by means of their work, namely the smallholder farmers in Africa. This holistic approach provides a win-win situation for everyone involved. The partners of the Demand Alliance receive cotton produced in accordance with a social and ecological standard, without paying a significantly higher price for it. The African smallholder farmers and their families receive several advantages – they learn more-efficient growing methods, meaning that they can improve their incomes through better yields, and they benefit from social projects such as improvements to schools.

One of the special features of Cotton made in Africa is the verification system. It works through the cotton companies, and thus involves lower verification costs than certification systems that work through the individual farmers or groups of farmers. That means a large proportion of the license fees received will, in the future, benefit the farmers and their families directly.

Sustainable Energy Africa (SEA) promotes the development of a low-carbon, clean-energy economy throughout southern Africa. Through their work, SEA promotes the more efficient use of conventional energy, the transition to more sustainable energies such as solar and wind power, and a holistic view of sustainable living more generally.

South Africa is in an enviable position with regard to natural energy sources, and SEA sees itself at the forefront of debate on not only sustainable and cost-efficient energy supply, but also climate change and environmental issues. A large component of the work has been in supporting government – particularly local government, and more recently provincial government – in understanding sustainable energy issues; developing strategies, policies, and planning that facilitate a move toward sustainable development; and very importantly, assisting and supporting their implementation.

The theme of sustainable energy underpins all of their work. As a dynamic, people-centered, and driven NGO, they act essentially as a consultative agency providing research, capacity-building, and assistance with project implementation as well as skills that cover engineering, environmental science, education, and urban and regional planning.