Quality perception/ implications
Historical perceptions of quality being an issue – but not so much these days.
Cotton Made in Africa (CmiA)
Objective
Sustainable African Cotton for a global Textile Industry.
Overview
Cotton made in Africa is an initiative of the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) that helps African smallholder cotton farmers to improve their living conditions. Growers must meet minimum environmental and social requirements for their cotton to qualify as CmiA.
Producing Countries (2016/17 unless otherwise stated)
Manufacturing Process
N/A
Manufacturing Location
N/A
Fiber Production 2016/17 (MT)
495,839 mt
Growth in production (2016/17 - 2017/18)
55%
Market Share of Total Cotton Grown (2017/18)
2.15%
Projected growth in production
Projected increase
Yield (see accompanying “TE Position” notes)
Claim of 20% average yield increase
Rainfed/ Irrigated
100% rainfed
Water Management
CmiA farmers practice rainfed agriculture exclusively. This means they do not use any artificial irrigation.
Soil Fertility
Farmers receive training to improve agricultural practices, particularly soil and water conservation. Composting and manure are encouraged whilst crop rotation is mandatory.
Biodiversity
Destruction of primary forest (or other designated resources protected by national or international law) for the purpose of cotton production is prohibited.
GMOs Permitted?
No
Use of Hazardous Pesticides
Promotes bio-intensive IPPM and excludes pesticides banned under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), the WHO list of highly hazardous and hazardous pesticides, and pesticides listed in the Rotterdam Convention on PIC.
Use of Synthetic Fertilizer
Excessive use of fertilizers not an issue in CmiA’s growing regions; IPM, organic manure and compost pits encouraged.
LCA available?
Yes – PE International (2014a)
Water Consumption (m3/ 1000kg fiber*) or best practices used to conserve water
1
(~100% reduction – LCA)
Primary Energy Demand MJ /1000 kg fiber *
No data
Global Warming (kg of CO2-eq/ 1000kg fiber*)
1,037
(42% reduction – LCA)
Eutrophication (kg of phosphate-eq/ 1000 kg fiber *)
20.4
(436% increase – LCA)
Social considerations / regulations
Production must comply with labor standards as set by the ILO. CmiA standard includes farm as well as gin level criteria. Social project investment with AbTF and retail partners/ cotton companies.
Verification / Certification (farm level)
Self-assessment and 3rd party certification on field and gin level.
Chain of Custody (supply chain)
Mass Balance from spinning mill onward (hard identity from field to spinning mill); full traceability possible through Hard Identity Preserved (option).
Product marketing/labeling
In store marketing/ on product labeling (own label or CmiA hangtag).
Consumer recognition
13% awareness among German consumers (measured Aug 2016).
Livelihoods
No price differential for farmers but the volume-based fee paid by brands/retailers is reinvested in the Foundation’s activities, e.g. farmer training, verification, community projects, etc.
Product marketing/labeling
In store marketing/ on product labeling (own label or CmiA hangtag).