Sowing the seeds for a just transition: how food and agriculture investments can support fairer contracting

Increased investment in the food and agriculture sector is central to achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals, including gender equality, reduced inequalities and climate action. Yet IIED research shows that contracts and contracting processes used by companies operating in the food and agriculture sector in low- and middle-income countries can have an adverse impact on the lives and livelihoods of smallholder farmers.

Contributing to a just transition requires investors to examine contracting processes and terms used in their investments and those of their investee companies. We explain how investors can identify and manage these risks and support rather than undermine a just transition.