Cotton made in Africa (CmiA) has less impact on the environment compared to conventional and irrigated cotton. CmiA cotton emits up to 40 per cent fewer greenhouse gas per kilo of cotton fiber than conventional cotton. CmiA is not organic cotton, but is grown using a minimum amount of pesticides. It saves more than 2,100 liters of water per kilogram of cotton fiber, compared to the global average, because it is only cultivated using rainwater.
The low amount of efficiently used resources and production facilities makes it possible to minimize greenhouse gas emissions that result from cotton production. Thanks to rain fed agriculture, a tremendous amount of water can also be saved. Rather than send money to Africa, the Cotton made in Africa initiative follows the principles of social business. This is aid by trade, helping people to help themselves by means of commercial activities. The African smallholder farmers who have joined this initiative are partners on an equal footing.
Cotton made in Africa does not aim to maximise the profit of individuals. It seeks to improve the conditions of life of a large number of African cotton farmers. In order to do that, it is building an alliance of international retail companies, which have targeted demand in the global market for sustainably produced cotton, and use this material in their products.
www.cotton-made-in-africa.com/
