Supporting responsible commodity production in West Africa

The AFi Coalition is a diverse group of organisations from around the world dedicated to protecting forests, other natural ecosystems, and human rights. Coalition organisations, such as Proforest, support use of the Accountability Framework by companies and other stakeholders to implement responsible policies and practices in the agriculture and forestry sectors. 

Addressing supply chain risks in West Africa

Commodity production landscapes in West Africa face unique risks to people and nature. These risks include deforestation, land‑use conflicts, and human rights challenges driven by unsustainable commodity production and weak governance structures. Addressing them is important to strengthen climate resilience, safeguard community livelihoods, and ensure the sustainability of supply chains.

To advance these goals, Proforest works with regional stakeholders to strengthen human rights due diligence, uphold workers’ rights, promote smallholder inclusion, restore environmental harms, and support EUDR readiness. 

“Proforest applies the Accountability Framework’s consensus‑based guidance with precision, adapting it to local realities to drive credible, on‑the‑ground action,” said Stephen Doso Jr, Deputy Director, Responsible Production, Proforest Africa. “Aligning with the Framework helps ensure that the companies we support can act decisively and deliver demonstrable, lasting impact for people and nature.” 

Implementing human rights due diligence 

Undertaking a due diligence process as described in the Accountability Framework is often the first step for companies to identify risks and impacts associated with their operations and supply chains. In Nigeria, Proforest conducted training on human rights and environmental due diligence for employees of a palm oil company. With new understanding and better capacity, staff are now equipped to address issues in the company’s sourcing base. 

Further, Proforest used Framework principles to conduct human rights risk assessments for Nigerian soy and Zimbabwean sugarcane supply chains. After visiting field sites in both countries, Proforest developed custom action plans to address issues in each location.   

Respecting the rights of workers

In Cote d’Ivoire, Proforest referenced the Accountability Framework Operational Guidance on Workers’ Rights to support improvements to living conditions in sugarcane concessions. As a result, housing for cane cutters and their families was rehabilitated. 

“The renovations have made a big difference. We no longer suffer from the heat that came with having no ceiling, and the new netted windows let us enjoy fresh air without worrying about insects. Our belongings finally have enough storage for everyone, and we feel safer with the more secure doors. We are truly grateful,” said a cane cutter in Borotou, Cote d’Ivoire.

Advancing smallholder inclusion 

An estimated 80% of farmers in sub-Saharan Africa are smallholders, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. These small producers often need support to meet the expectations of buyers. To support smallholder inclusion, Proforest worked with a group of sugarcane producers in Nigeria to ensure that expansion of their operations was conducted in line with buyers’ commitments to responsibility. The Operational Guidance on Smallholder Inclusion in Ethical Supply Chains guides companies on how to engage smallholders in a mutually-beneficial manner. 

Conducting environmental restoration

The Accountability Framework also offers guidance on remediation remedy when environmental harms have occurred in company operations or supply chains. When doing so, it is essential to secure the free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) of those impacted by environmental harms. 

In Ghana, where cocoa production caused landscape impacts, Proforest provided independent monitoring of a restoration project, and supported the FPIC process. Additionally, in the area surrounding a Nigerian sugarcane concession, the organisation participated in a tree planting project. By restoring degraded land in buffer zones, the area is now better protected against river flooding. 

Learn more and get started with the Accountability Framework

To learn more about Proforest’s work supporting collaboration and capacity building in African production landscapes, visit the organisation’s website. 

Get started with the Framework by exploring the AFi’s free E-learning platform. It consolidates the Accountability Framework into concise, accessible, and engaging courses.