longitudinal impact assessment study of sugar producers in malawi

10. Key indicators to be monitored over time
This study is a longitudinal study of the impact of Fairtrade on smallholder
producers and company labourers. It is intended to monitor the changes (positive
and negative) brought about by certification and engagement with the Fairtrade
labelling system over 4 years. A set of simple and measureable indicators has
been identified that can be used to monitor the changes in economic, social,
environmental and organisational impacts attributable to Fairtrade labelling and the
use of the Fairtrade Premium over time.
Where possible these indicators are:
- Impact indicators – otherwise output indicators
- Measureable/assessable by the Producer or Worker Organisations
- Attributable to Fairtrade inputs
- Supplemented by the 2-yearly impact studies (2010/2012) that will add depth
to the evidence collected by the ongoing monitoring
The 2009 situation, together with the qualitative narrative and quantitative data
contained in this report, provides a baseline that can be updated and compared in
the monitoring visits scheduled for 2011 and 2013.
As described in Section 6 and Table 6.1, TWIN has also developed a set of
indicators, primarily for following the business status of KCGL. This monitoring has
been in place since 2008, and could also act as a baseline for the overall KCGL
situation.
Table 10.1 Indicators for monitoring progress of the Producer Organisation over time
Indicator 2009 situation 2011 situation 2013 situation
ECONOMIC
Cane yield/ha Low: 94mt/ha
Farmers cane field Poor, but improving
management
KCGL profits Zero (no dividend)
Proportion of 40%
Fairtrade Premium
going to support
farmers livelihoods
SOCIAL
Relationship between
farmers and KCGL
management
Proportion of
Fairtrade Premium
funds going to
community
development projects
Extent to which
labourers benefit
from Fairtrade
Ratio of labourers to
farmers
Was poor; recently
improving
30%
Revolving fund of
MK4million;
protective clothing;
wages MK210/day; 1
bag maize for 536
workers; treatment
for Bilharzia
March 2010: 460
permanent
50