Scaling inclusive business models at the nexus of poverty and environment: Case studies from the Philippines
This report (PDF) by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Istanbul International Center for Private Sector in Development and Business Call to Action, examines inclusive business (IB) models at the nexus of poverty and environment in order to demonstrate how to scale them up successfully. The paper focuses on three inclusive agroforestry businesses in the Philippines. Investigation into these companies’ IB models reveals the fundamental components of success for the companies, farmers, the ecosystem, local value-chain actors and the natural environment where production takes place. These include: 1) Fair labour practices and adherence to international market prices for enhanced farmer incomes and income security; 2) Intensive capacity building, knowledge, skill building and farmers’ access to quality inputs, facilities, technical assistance and organizational development; 3) Alignment of operations with existing land-use and development plans, and use of eco-friendly agricultural practices to reduce environmental impact; 4) Innovative management and convergence schemes to streamline their value chains, increase the efficiency of resource management and strengthen relationships among local ecosystem actors; and 5) Commitments to meet global quality and sustainability standards through applications for product and process certification. Companies should continuously engage local governments and other local players in dialogue, and offer innovative products and services with clear value for local partners. Inclusive business partnerships can also be supported by enhanced government procurement policies to facilitate public-private partnerships. In conclusion, the research underscored the potential of inclusive agroforestry models to achieve positive social and environmental impacts.