Summary
Social and environmental voluntary standard systems (SEVSS), such as Fairtrade and Rainforest Alliance certification, are becoming increasingly common in global value chains. However, there is limited systematic evidence available on the impact and development potential of such standards. The objective of this DFID funded four year study from 2009 to 2012 was: 'to systematically examine the impact of voluntary social and environmental standards on poverty and livelihoods, particularly for the most disadvantaged workers and producers in developing countries'. Two commodities were selected for inclusion in the study - tea and cocoa - and each was studied in two countries (Kenya, India and Ghana and Ecuador respectively). This report presents the findings of the poverty impacts of SEVSS in Kenyan tea. Published under an Open Government License - nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/