The Agricultural Ethics Assurance Association of Zimbabwe (AEAAZ)
Impact of the ETI pilot
The success of the ETI pilot project in Zimbabwe had considerable impact both within the horticultural sector and the agricultural industry as a whole. The producers who had taken part in the ETI pilot highlighted the following as key benefits within their own operations as a result of their participation:
Key benefits from participation in the ETI pilot project
- An increased understanding that the two groups were working towards the same goals improved working relations between management and workers.
- The ETI social inspections increased grower awareness of worker issues.
- There was more regular contact with the employee trade union, which was included in the pilot project process.
Other positive changes brought about by the ETI pilot project
Growers within the ETI pilot expressed a determination to:
- obtain certification of compliance to a code of practice which would be internationally accepted
- continue to utilise the inspection process and participatory methodology developed during the pilot project, and
- continue to use local female social auditors in ongoing inspections, to facilitate access to the large numbers of female farm workers.
Producers outside the pilot:
- wanted to participate in the process
- were motivated to initiate a similar process of change on their farms.
As a result of the ETI social inspections, growers gained credibility with European markets, and so were determined to establish a national code of practice, with trustees and a management board. Growers also stressed the importance of maintaining close ties with ETI and operating with their support.
See also:
ETI Activities: Capacity Building & Experimental Projects
ETI Resources: Geographic: Africa
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