Poverty Footprint Study on how the Coca Cola - Oxfam America
Poverty Footprint Study on how the Coca Cola - Oxfam America
Poverty Footprint Study on how the Coca Cola - Oxfam America
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Crime in El Salvador<br />
El Salvador faces particularly high levels of violent<br />
and petty crime when compared with most developing<br />
countries. Extorti<strong>on</strong> is comm<strong>on</strong>, and organized gangs,<br />
or maras, intimidate and victimize people routinely.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> <strong>Coca</strong>-<strong>Cola</strong>/SABMiller value chain, sugarcane<br />
producers, suppliers and distributors (especially<br />
owner-drivers) reported c<strong>on</strong>cerns about gang activity<br />
such as muggings, extorti<strong>on</strong> and vandalism. The<br />
town of Nejapa, where ILC is based, is a known gang<br />
str<strong>on</strong>ghold with a high crime rate. ILC has created a<br />
24-hour security and m<strong>on</strong>itoring program to protect<br />
its plant workforce, but some employees still report<br />
feeling vulnerable when traveling to and from <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
homes. ILC has also created a job-training program<br />
for former gang members, partly as a result of its<br />
<strong>on</strong>going community dialogue. Community leaders<br />
pointed out that young men in <strong>the</strong> area often lack job<br />
opportunities and <strong>the</strong>refore turn to gangs.<br />
Recommendati<strong>on</strong>s for follow-up acti<strong>on</strong><br />
Owners of distributi<strong>on</strong> businesses commented that<br />
<strong>the</strong> crime makes <strong>the</strong>m afraid to invest in improving<br />
or expanding <strong>the</strong>ir businesses. Over half (four out of<br />
seven) of those interviewed reported having serious<br />
security problems, and <strong>on</strong>e third reported making<br />
extorti<strong>on</strong> payments, or “rent,” to gangs.<br />
Forty percent (34 out of 85) of retailers interviewed<br />
also reported that security problems negatively<br />
impacted <strong>the</strong>ir business.<br />
Dangerous road c<strong>on</strong>diti<strong>on</strong>s in Zambia<br />
Independent drivers transporting <strong>Coca</strong>-<strong>Cola</strong> products<br />
by truck are facing increased incentives to work<br />
l<strong>on</strong>ger hours as a result of <strong>the</strong> rapid growth of <strong>the</strong><br />
business. This dynamic, coupled with hazardous road<br />
c<strong>on</strong>diti<strong>on</strong>s, places <strong>the</strong> truck drivers at c<strong>on</strong>siderable<br />
safety risk.<br />
Engage sugar farmers and producers to improve safety and health of sugarcane harvesters.<br />
Investigate why independent truck drivers in Zambia work more than eight hours per day and<br />
discuss with drivers potential mechanisms to ensure safe driving.<br />
Exploring <strong>the</strong> links between internati<strong>on</strong>al business and poverty reducti<strong>on</strong> 59