Social Sustainability in Agriculture: Empowering Smallholder Farmers

Working in the food supply chain and agricultural sector, it is well known how complex the value-chain becomes when trading commodities across the world. Along this process, products go through many hands and contribute to the livelihoods of people in all corners of the earth. The food we grow and consume has a far-reaching impact on our world. Beyond taste and nutrition, our food choices influence the environment, the economy, and the well-being of countless individuals. As our CEO David Farrell wrote on strong sustainability in one of our previous blog posts, there is an interconnected relationship between economic, environmental and social dimensions of sustainability. One might wonder what are the social factors in the industry, and how do we take care of them? Social sustainability in agriculture focuses on ensuring that the production and consumption of food contribute to a just, equitable, and resilient society.

 

The Human Cost of Food

Behind every bite of food lies a complex supply chain involving numerous individuals. Unfortunately, many of these individuals face challenges such as poverty, unsafe working conditions, and limited opportunities.  It is estimated that there are about one billion people working in the agricultural sector across the world. These are the direct impacts that the sector has on people who are contributing to the supply chain. The sector then also plays a role in supporting food security and access to healthy diets for households. As a South African, thinking about social issues in the industry brings to mind our problems with food insecurity and how to better support smallholder farmers in rural areas. Smallholder farmers in developing countries, may struggle to make a living due to climate change, lack of market access, and inadequate institutional support.

 

The Importance of Social Sustainability

There is great value found in taking care of the people around us and of all social aspects of the world. Thinking about the well-being of people is beneficial to our economy, including the agricultural sector. It can be difficult to say exactly what value there is to different social factors, as we face different challenges and have different cultures around the world. Some of the main things that come out more clearly as having importance is ethical responsibility, community development, environmental protection and economic resilience.

Ethical responsibility: We have a moral obligation to ensure that the food we consume is produced in a way that respects the rights and dignity of all involved.

Community development: Supporting socially sustainable agricultural practices can contribute to the development of thriving rural communities.

Environmental protection: Social sustainability is closely linked to environmental sustainability. When farmers and workers are treated fairly, they are more likely to adopt sustainable practices that protect the environment.

Economic resilience: A socially sustainable agricultural sector is more resilient to shocks and crises. When communities are empowered and workers are treated fairly, they are better equipped to adapt to challenges such as climate change and market fluctuations.

It can be helpful to use an example of how social empowerment in the agriculture sector can have multiple benefits beyond the direct social value. If we think about the challenges faced by smallholder farmers and how we address these, it helps one picture the interconnected relationship of social, environmental and economic factors.

 

Smallholder farmers in developing countries often face a myriad of challenges that can hinder their ability to produce food sustainably and improve their livelihoods. These challenges include:

Climate change: Increasing temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events can devastate crops and reduce yields.

Limited market access: Smallholder farmers may struggle to find reliable buyers for their produce, leading to low prices and income insecurity.

Inadequate infrastructure: Lack of access to roads, transportation, and storage facilities can make it difficult for farmers to get their products to market.

Financial constraints: Limited access to credit and other financial resources can prevent farmers from investing in improved inputs, equipment, and technology.

Lack of knowledge and skills: Farmers may not have the necessary knowledge and skills to adopt sustainable farming practices or to navigate complex market systems.

 

Social sustainability can play a crucial role in addressing the challenges faced by smallholder farmers. By promoting equitable relationships between farmers, consumers, and other stakeholders, social sustainability can help to:

Increase farmers’ income: By improving market access and providing farmers with fair prices for their produce, social sustainability can help to increase farmers’ income and improve their livelihoods.

Promote sustainable farming practices: Social sustainability can encourage farmers to adopt sustainable practices that protect the environment and reduce their reliance on harmful inputs.

Strengthen community resilience: By building strong and resilient communities, social sustainability can help farmers to cope with challenges such as climate change and market fluctuations.

Reduce poverty and inequality: By empowering smallholder farmers and improving their livelihoods, social sustainability can help to reduce poverty and inequality in rural areas.

 

A promising example of social sustainability in agriculture is the AgriFoSe 2030 project in South Africa. This project focused on supporting smallholder farmers, particularly women, in growing sorghum and cowpea. By bringing together various stakeholders, including farmers, researchers, input suppliers, processors, retailers, and consumers, the project facilitated knowledge sharing, improved market access for farmers, and helped them adopt climate-smart practices.

 

From the AgriFoSe 2030 project, the main key outcomes were:

Empowered smallholder farmers: The project provided farmers with training, technical assistance, and access to markets, enabling them to increase their income and improve their livelihoods.

Promoted sustainable practices: Farmers learned about climate-smart agricultural techniques, such as using drought-resistant varieties and reducing pesticide use.

Strengthened community resilience: The project helped to build stronger and more resilient communities by providing opportunities for collaboration and economic development.

Improved food security: By increasing the production of nutritious and affordable crops, the project contributed to food security in the region

 

The AgriFoSe project provides a great example of how tackling social issues within agriculture can bring great strides and improvements to communities and areas in terms of their overall sustainability.

The requirements for improved social sustainability in agriculture from this project can be seen as collaboration and partnerships between various stakeholders. Taking this lesson with us, we can see that in the greater picture, governments, NGOs, businesses, and consumers all have a role to play in creating a more equitable and sustainable food system.

Governments can provide essential support to smallholder farmers by investing in agricultural research and development, improving infrastructure, and implementing policies that promote sustainable agriculture throughout the supply chain. NGOs can provide technical assistance, training, and support to smallholder farmers, as well as advocate for policies that promote social sustainability at all levels of the supply chain. Businesses can play a role by sourcing their ingredients from sustainable suppliers and investing in fair trade initiatives. Lastly, as we are all consumers, if we have the financial resources, we can support social sustainability by choosing to buy products from ethical and sustainable sources.

Social sustainability in agriculture is essential for creating a just and equitable food system. In South Africa we can see that one way to achieve better social sustainability can be by addressing the challenges faced by smallholder farmers. By promoting sustainable practices throughout the sector, we can help to ensure that everyone has access to nutritious, affordable, and sustainably produced food.

 

References

AgriFoSe 2030: https://www.slu.se/en/collaboration/international/slu-global/agrifose/

Bacon, C.M., Getz, C., Kraus, S., Montenegro, M. and Holland, K., 2012. The social dimensions of sustainability and change in diversified farming systems. Ecology and Society17(4). https://www.jstor.org/stable/26269238

Sexsmith, K., Smaller, C. and Speller, W., 2022. How to improve gender equality in agriculture. International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD). https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/how-to-improve-gender-equality-agriculture.pdf

Tirivayi, N., Knowles, M. and Davis, B., 2016. The interaction between social protection and agriculture: A review of evidence. Global Food Security10, pp.52-62. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2211912416300359

FAO. (2024). The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2024. https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cd1254en

International Labour Organization: Agriculture; plantations; other rural sectors https://www.ilo.org/industries-and-sectors/agriculture-plantations-other-rural-sectors

 

 

 

Innovations in Farming: Hydroponic and Vertical Farming

In an era of climate change, dwindling natural resources, and growing demand for sustainable food production, agriculture is undergoing rapid transformation. Hydroponic and vertical farming have emerged as two cutting-edge solutions, offering new ways to grow food efficiently while addressing the challenges of traditional farming. As land, water, and climate become increasingly unpredictable, these innovative techniques present a more sustainable approach to feeding the world.

Hydroponic Farming: A Soil-Free Solution

Hydroponic farming allows plants to grow without soil, using a nutrient-rich water solution to deliver the essential elements directly to crops. By removing the need for soil, this method bypasses issues like soil degradation and inconsistent nutrient availability, common in traditional farming.

Hydroponic systems have gained global popularity because they use up to 90% less water than conventional farming by recirculating water within the system. This makes hydroponics ideal for regions with limited water resources. Additionally, by growing plants in a controlled environment, farmers can reduce the need for chemical pesticides and herbicides, creating a cleaner, more sustainable farming method.

There are various hydroponic systems to suit different scales of farming. Deep water culture, nutrient film technique (NFT), and aeroponics are among the most widely used systems. Whether for small-scale urban growers or large commercial operations, hydroponics offers a versatile and scalable alternative to traditional agriculture, helping farmers achieve higher yields with fewer resources.

Vertical Farming: Maximizing Space in Urban Areas

In densely populated cities where agricultural land is scarce, vertical farming has become a game-changer. By growing crops in vertically stacked layers, vertical farming optimizes space usage, enabling food production in places previously unsuitable for agriculture.

This method is often combined with hydroponic or aeroponic systems to further enhance efficiency. Urban farmers can grow fresh produce in warehouses, shipping containers, or even skyscrapers. Vertical farming not only brings food production closer to consumers, reducing transportation costs and emissions, but also helps meet the growing demand for locally sourced produce in urban centers.

A key advantage of vertical farming is its ability to operate year-round in controlled environments, free from the constraints of weather or climate. This allows farmers to maintain a stable supply of food, independent of seasonal changes, which is especially important as climate change disrupts traditional growing cycles.

 

Both hydroponic and vertical farming offer significant sustainability advantages. The water-saving potential of hydroponic systems is particularly valuable as global freshwater resources become increasingly strained. By growing food with less water and land, these methods help mitigate the impact of agriculture on the environment.

Furthermore, many vertical farms use energy-efficient LED lighting and renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, to minimize their carbon footprint. By incorporating clean energy and recycling water, these systems not only reduce energy consumption but also support broader sustainability efforts.

As the global population grows and the effects of climate change intensify, the need for sustainable farming practices is more urgent than ever. Hydroponic and vertical farming represent a future-forward approach to agriculture, offering innovative solutions to the challenges of resource scarcity, unpredictable weather, and urbanization.

For farmers, adopting these methods means more than just embracing new technology. It’s a commitment to creating a resilient, environmentally friendly food system that can thrive in a changing world. Whether in urban centers or rural landscapes, hydroponic and vertical farming are paving the way toward a sustainable, productive future in agriculture.

Water Stewardship Case Study: Agricola Chapi (Peru)

As global retailers and consumers push for more sustainable practices, Worldwide Fruit Limited (WFL) is leading the charge with its commitment to water stewardship. In line with their Courtauld Commitments, WFL is highlighting the incredible efforts of their strategic suppliers, like Agricola Chapi, a family-owned Peruvian agro-exporter.

For the past five years, Chapi has been supplying top-quality avocados from Peru’s Ica Valley—a region facing significant water challenges. Despite these hurdles, Chapi has achieved over 99% water use efficiency by implementing advanced irrigation technologies, groundwater recharge initiatives, and adhering to international standards like AWS and LEAF certifications. Their dedication to sustainability goes beyond water management, with initiatives in biodiversity, habitat restoration, and integrated pest management.

Chapi also prioritizes the well-being of its workforce and the local community, providing access to safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, and health services. Their involvement in local projects to improve water access and environmental education underscores their commitment to both people and the planet.

This case study showcases Chapi’s leadership in sustainable agriculture, proving that economic success, environmental stewardship and care for their employees can go hand-in-hand.

Read the full case study here.

The case study was compiled by Blue North Sustainability.

 

FruitLook Case Study: Veldtology – Lize van der Merwe

The FruitLook Team sat down with Lize van der Merwe, the owner and director of Veldtology, a company she founded in 2020. With a PhD in Conservation Ecology, Lize specialised in monitoring the effectiveness of environmental management within commercial forestry. She discovered that these principles could be adapted to sustainable agriculture.

We sat down with Lize to discuss how FruitLook supports her in providing farmers with valuable advice on how they can improve the effectiveness of their farms.

FruitLook provides crop producers with an extra layer of information on their fields in the form of near-real-time data on growth, water use, and mineral status. This allows them to evaluate the way they are farming and make more informed decisions when allocating precious natural resources (especially water), thereby saving them time, reducing inputs, and supporting a more sustainable way of farming.

Read the full case study here:

 

Water Stewardship Case Study: Talsa Agroexport

Retailers and consumers globally are urging the supply chain to enhance its understanding of water usage and promote sustainable practices. Responding to this imperative, Worldwide Fruit Limited (WFL) actively invests in water stewardship initiatives across their global supply base. As part of their Courtauld Commitments, they are showcasing case studies from their strategic farmers in water-vulnerable regions.

This case study highlights Talsa Agroexport (TAE), a Peruvian company dedicated to improving the quality of life for farmers in the highlands through innovative solutions and unwavering support. Small-scale growers in Peru face numerous challenges, including inadequate government support, limited access to modern irrigation technologies, and unfair market practices.

TAE addresses these challenges by offering free technical advice, transparent processing and commercialisation, access to fertilisers and pesticides, and advanced irrigation systems. The case study also shares the inspiring success stories of Fundo El Silencio and Jhony Espinoza, who have significantly improved their productivity and livelihoods through TAE’s support.

WFL has been a valuable supporter of TAE’s initiative, with TAE serving as an avocado supplier to WFL. Together, they are fostering a sustainable and prosperous future for small-scale growers in Peru.

Read the full case study here.

Over the next few months, the case studies from supplying farms will not only focus on water stewardship initiatives but also address the social-ethical impact of crop production on the workforce (safe WASH), local communities and the environment

 

We are hiring: Customer Success Consultant

Blue North Sustainability is currently looking for a person that can fulfill a role in the Customer Success function.

Blue North Sustainability is a purpose-driven consulting practice focused on agriculture and the food system. We are based in Stellenbosch and have an established position supporting farmers, exporters, importers and retailers across international agricultural and food supply-chains in the development and implementation of strategies and programs-of-change aimed at achieving lasting sustainability outcomes. We manage a portfolio of online applications that directly support proactive management of sustainability-related risks on farms and across supply-chains, the Sherpa sustainability management system and Confronting Climate Change.

The successful candidate would have a passion for sustainability, great customer engagement and people skills, and would naturally align with our core values.

 

Activities will include, inter alia:

Customer account management; including:

    • Customer relationship management.
    • Communicating and engaging with customers as needed.
    • Being an approachable and reliable point of contact and leading meetings with customers.
    • Maintaining a positive, empathetic, and professional attitude toward customers at all times.
    • Building sustainable relationships and trust through open and interactive communication.

Project management, project reporting, and coordination of projects that may be cross cutting other functions in the team.

Customer support; including:

    • On-boarding of management teams, training presentations and demonstrations,
    • Online support calls,
    • Customer profile and system setup.
    • Providing customers with system implementation advice.
    • Preparing bespoke insights, guidance and recommendations for management teams.
    • Responding to help desk support queries timeously.

Providing support to the broader team as needed.

Data collection support, related admin and sense-checking.

 

We are looking for an individual with the following attributes:

  • A genuine passion for sustainability with an appropriate level of understanding and knowledge of sustainability issues and solutions in primary production and the food industry.
  • BEng, BSc, BCom, or similar
  • Experience in the agricultural industry would be beneficial
  • At least 1 year of work experience
  • Ability to work independently, to take initiative and ownership
  • Ability to work well in a team
  • Ability to take ownership and initiative is key
  • Good time management and prioritisation skills
  • Good communication and presentation skills
  • Excellent understanding of agriculture & food supply chains
  • Ability to build long-term customer relationships
  • Drive to satisfy customers
  • Conscientious
  • Active listening skills
  • Adaptable
  • Problem solving skills
  • Ability to work well under pressure
  • Comfortable in the use of IT platforms
  • Excellent English and Afrikaans verbal and written skills
  • An understanding of Spanish would be a bonus
  • Based in Stellenbosch region or surrounds
  • Have a valid SA drivers’ license and own transport

 

What do we offer?

  • An opportunity to join a purpose-driven business
  • An opportunity to work with a dynamic team within a growing business
  • An international business environment working with a local & international client base and international technology partners

 

Practicalities:

To apply for this role please submit the following to nine@exceed.co.za:

  • A detailed cover letter that clearly and decisively motivates why you are interested in the role, why you believe you have something to offer us and what specific attributes you could bring to our team.
  • An up-to-date CV
  • At least two contactable references

 

FruitLook Case Study: De Rust

The FruitLook Team sat down with Karin Clüver, the production director at De Rust, in 2021 to explore how FruitLook has helped her farm more efficiently. Three years later, we reconnected with Karin to reflect on FruitLook’s continual ability to enhance efficiency on the De Rust farm.
Read more

FruitLook’s Evolution: From Vineyard Tool to Comprehensive Crop Management Solution

In the water-scarce region of the Western Cape of South Africa, where droughts frequently impact agricultural output and food security, innovative solutions for water management are essential. Eight of the top ten export products of the Western Cape are fully reliant on irrigation, driving the province’s economy and job market. In response to the pressing need for efficient water use, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA) partnered with the Dutch company eLEAF to develop FruitLook, a satellite-based solution for optimising irrigation water management. Since its inception in 2010-2011, FruitLook has been offered to Western Cape farmers at no cost, transforming the way they manage their water resources. 

Origins and Development 

The foundation of FruitLook can be traced back to the early 2000s. Water Watch, the predecessor to eLEAF, conducted the earliest feasibility studies of remote sensing technology in 2003-2004. This led to the creation of GrapeLook in 2010, which eventually evolved into FruitLook. Initially focused on vineyards, FruitLook has significantly expanded its scope to cover various agricultural commodities in the Western Cape, now spanning an impressive 13 million hectares. 

Harnessing Satellite Technology for Agriculture 

Since 2010, FruitLook has been at the forefront of providing Western Cape farmers with cutting-edge, satellite-based crop monitoring via its web-based portal (www.fruitlook.co.za). The foundation of FruitLook’s technology lies in the energy balance algorithm, ETLook. This algorithm, developed and continuously improved by eLEAF over the past 20+ years, has been scientifically tested and calibrated for significant agricultural areas, including the Western Cape. eLEAF, the developer and owner of SEBAL1,2,3 and its successor ETLook, was the first in the world to operationalise energy balance algorithms to provide evapotranspiration (ET) and biomass production data in near real-time using satellite imagery. 

FruitLook’s data production process relies on multispectral and thermal satellite information. High-resolution data from freely available satellite repositories, such as Sentinel-2 and Landsat 8 and 9, as well as VIIRS and MODIS, are used to provide field-scale information. The project area encompasses four Sentinel-2 pathways and ten Landsat-8 and 9 tiles. Additionally, local meteorological field data (mainly from a South African company, Hortec) is incorporated to enhance the accuracy of the generated data. Since October 2021, the resolution of FruitLook data has improved to 10-meter pixels, doubling its previous resolution of 20 meters. 

FruitLook generates weekly data on nine different parameters related to crop growth, water consumption, and plant nitrogen content. This information enables farmers to assess crop development and implement timely, efficient mitigation measures, enhancing overall agricultural efficiency. This initiative stands as a testament to the transformative potential of technology in addressing the challenges of modern agriculture. 

Impact on Water Management and Agricultural Resilience 

FruitLook’s data has proven extremely valuable in water management, allowing farmers to compare field water consumption, assess water shortages, detect crop stress, and evaluate irrigation efficiency. The tool also aids in the strategic placement and interpretation of probes and the detection of irrigation system leakages. The severe drought of 2017-2018 in the Western Cape underscored FruitLook’s critical role, as its satellite-based data helped assess the drought’s impact in regions like the Groenland Water Management Area and the Lower Olifants Water Management Area. 

Farmer Testimonials and Practical Applications 

Farmers across the Western Cape have benefited from FruitLook’s data and have shared their testimonials and practical applications of the tool and its data in 20 different case studies* over the past three years. In one such case study, Alan Hall, a citrus grower from Citrusdal, shared how he uses FruitLook to ensure water security, enhance tree health, and maintain consistent production despite limited water resources. 

Technological Integration and Support 

Implemented by eLEAF and supported by a South African company, Blue North Sustainability, since 2019, FruitLook has continuously evolved to meet the needs of Western Cape farmers. In August 2021, a new FruitLook web portal was launched, featuring an improved user interface and enhanced data accessibility. This upgrade allows users to compare fields, identify in-field anomalies, and make informed decisions based on comprehensive spatial data. 

To further support users, the following initiatives have been implemented: 

  • The FruitLook Stakeholder Board, inaugurated in 2020, helps gather feedback from users to continuously improve the service. 
  • Free of charge weekly online training sessions, monthly workshops (in-person), and occasional farm visits have been held. Additionally, FruitLook has been presented at Farmer’s Days or Study Groups, symposiums, conferences, and to students at tertiary institutions. 
  • A dedicated support desk is accessible via email, phone, or WhatsApp. 
  • A YouTube channel featuring FruitLook tutorials, webinars, and learnings from FruitLook users. 
  • A monthly newsletter updating the user base about new FruitLook features, case studies, training opportunities and other news.  

Future Prospects and Commercialization 

As climate models predict increasing climatic variability, tools like FruitLook will become even more crucial for sustainable agriculture in the Western Cape. Looking ahead, WCDoA and eLEAF are exploring ways to continue the FruitLook service and add possible improvements to continue supporting Western Cape farmers in efficient and sustainable farming.  

Conclusion 

FruitLook has transformed from a vineyard-focused tool into a comprehensive agricultural resource, demonstrating the power of technology in supporting sustainable farming practices and ensuring food security. With ongoing advancements in technology, FruitLook is poised to continue its vital role in enhancing agricultural resilience in the Western Cape. 

 

*Case studies can be found on Blue North’s News page. 

Water Stewardship Case Study: Viru (Peru)

Retailers and consumers globally are urging the supply chain to enhance its understanding of water usage and promote sustainable practices. Responding to this imperative, Worldwide Fruit Limited (WFL) actively invest in water stewardship initiatives across their global supply base. As part of their Courtauld Commitments, they are presenting a series of case studies from their strategic  farmers  growing in water vulnerable regions.

This case study showcases Virú, a Peruvian company and strategic avocado supply chain partner for WFL, is the 18th case study in the series and highlights the current water situation in its main avocado-growing region, La Libertad (Chavimochic Irrigation Project). Virú integrates sustainability into its corporate strategy and operations, employing efficient water-use methodologies despite an abundant water supply. The company is committed to developing and implementing strategies to address and mitigate challenges from floods and water scarcity due to climate change.

Read the full case study here.

Over the next few months, the case studies from supplying farms will not only focus on water stewardship initiatives, but also address the social-ethical impact of crop production on the workforce (safe WASH), local communities and the environment.

Advancing Water Stewardship and Sustainability in Global Agriculture

Retailers and consumers globally are urging the supply chain to enhance its understanding of water usage and promote sustainable practices. Responding to this imperative, Worldwide Fruit Limited (WFL) has been actively investing in water stewardship initiatives across their global supply base. As part of their Courtauld Commitments, they have been presenting case studies from their strategic farmers growing in water-vulnerable regions since 2021 with the help of South African company, Blue North Sustainability.

The case studies aim to raise awareness of the challenges that South African, Peruvian, Spanish, and New Zealand growers deal with daily. However, the focus is not only on the challenges but also on the lessons learned and the success stories, showcasing where growers are on their journey to using water more sustainably. Beyond water, the case studies investigate current sustainability strategies and plans for future improvements in sustainability.

Over the next few months, WFL will be introducing a crucial new component to the case studies. They will be addressing the social-ethical impact of crop production on the workforce (safe WASH), local communities, and the environment.

Keep an eye out for soon-to-be-published case studies on Agrokasa and Agricola Chapi. Both are avocado growers in the Ica region of Peru, where water resources have been under severe pressure, and providing safe WASH to these communities has been a critical focus. These companies are going above and beyond to implement sustainable and social-ethical practices. They are investing in a modern water treatment plant and enforcing strict policies on safe WASH for their workforce.