When we talk about inclusive business, we mean serious business.
It’s all about doing business with a long-term outlook, fulfilling the needs of farmers and buyers alike. With this kind of forward-looking strategy, they can plan ahead more carefully, resulting in stronger businesses.
What does Inclusive Business mean to Rikolto? Check what our colleagues around the globe have to say in this video!
Following the LINK methodology, inclusive business relationships show in:
In the coming months, we will talk about each of the six principles, and give some examples about the principles are reflected in the governance of specific business cases brokered by Rikolto. You find the articles below.
Is there open communication with clear commitments between parties in the chain, either formally or informally? Does the way companies and farmers’ groups do business contribute to less price volatility and more equitable sharing of risks and profits?
In 2016, four vegetable farmers’ cooperatives in Jinotega, Nicaragua, started providing safe, high-quality vegetables to national Subway outlets. Evaluating the business case, we have examined all the learned lessons of the last 3 years.
Do producers have access to training to learn more about new agricultural and post-harvest practices? Do they have timely access to market information? And to financial services? Are these services provided by the buyer or by another actor?
Are innovation processes carried out collaboratively? Who participates and why? If innovation is present, who gains from the results? Are there profit-sharing mechanisms in place? Are small-scale producers encouraged to participate in inclusive innovation?
The value chain projects Rikolto and Colruyt group have engaged in, revolved around more than just the business proceeds. The impact is also found at the level of the organisations involved. What new knowledge is generated? And does that knowledge also change the day-to-day practice of those organisations, bringing real change in the food system within reach? These are the questions we are looking at here.
Collaboration between organisations with different (business) cultures is a challenge by itself. In international supply chains, the frame of reference of, let’s say, farmers in Congo is also very different from that of employees of a retailer. Not to mention the at times conflicting interests and practical problems arising from the distance between continents.
Feel free to get in touch with me. I'll gladly give you more information on how we can work together.
