Supporting Smallholders to Access Sustainable Supply Chains: Lessons from the Indian Cotton Supply Chain

A significant number of different sustainable initiatives have emerged to improve sustainability and inclusion of small farmers in global supply chains. These include production process adjustment advice and implementation of different sustainable product standards. In practice two different approaches are taken. Development projects focus on enabling farmers to adjust their practices to Organic, Fairtrade and other standards requirements. In international trade, buyers from developed countries implement separate supply chain assurance systems. This article presents nine case studies of practices from both approaches in the cotton supply chain in India. The results show improvements in the livelihoods of small farmers but increased market access depends on what approaches are used. The future challenge is to combine the different approaches, creating market links and enhancing supply chain efficiency while providing development support at community levels. With such a balance it will be possible to assure project sustainability and maximize long-term economical, environmental and social benefits.