Summary
This is an impact evaluation study of the early impact of pre-certifcation technical assistance and certification of previously uncertified smallholders focussing on BCI project. It also explored aspects of improvement in environment variables, extent of producer unit/company empowering farmers. An RCT based approach embedded in theory based impact evaluation was adopted where the BCI interventiones were analysed by pre and post situation of intervention. The BCI standards emphasize four main dimensions of sustainability - social, economic, environmental and value chain- which are expressed as impact pathways. The baseline results shows clear linkages between lower cost of production and higher profitability. Lower and balanced use of agro-chemicals can reduce the cost of production, while improving the soil nutrient and soil quality which is also associated with health and safety benefits. One of the key findings shows a clear gap in index score of knowledge and while the BCI project aims to enhance knowledge of farmers, the assumption that once trained they will adopt practices faces the challenge in term s of mind-set of the farmers who believe that their yields would suffer. BCI project has potential to focus on profitability through cost reduction not just productivity where other actors are also focussing their efforts, building markets, inclusion of women, child labour, health and safety issues are also aspects for BCI project to bear in mind although challenging to address in short period of time.