The Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) has joined the newly formed Koskilna Compact alliance. This international multi-stakeholder coalition of non-governmental organisations, companies, and state actors aims to promote the economic and social development of cotton-growing regions in Chad and to support farmers in building up resilient livelihoods. The project is scheduled to run for five years.
“We are delighted to support Koskilna Compact with our many years of experience in the field of sustainable cotton production,” says Tina Stridde, the managing director of the Aid by Trade Foundation. Explaining that the support goes both ways, she adds, “Koskilna Compact and its member organisations play a significant and valuable role in reinforcing the efforts of our Cotton made in Africa initiative, which has been working in Chad since 2020.”
Through concerted cooperation and coordinated activities, Koskilna Compact intends to provide significant support for sustainable socio-economic development in Chad. This includes efforts to preserve the environment, protect the soil, promote sustainable agriculture, and foster the social and economic integration of people growing cotton in Chad. Placing particular emphasis on the topic of climate resilience in agriculture, the project intends to further develop agricultural systems while ensuring that land, water, and other natural resources are used responsibly.
In addition to the Aid by Trade Foundation, Koskilna Compact includes Stichting IDH (IDH), the Embassy Office of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Chad, Solidaridad West Africa, the African Cotton Foundation (ACF), the National Union of the Cotton Producers of Chad (UNPCT), Cotontchad Société Nouvelle (CTSN), and the Centre for Research, Innovation and Technological Production (CRIPT).
Exporting raw cotton is not of real benefit to the Chadian. Sustainable cotton idustry is feasible through added value to the product. It well known cotton has long value chain from farming to garment. Through this thousands of urban people will have a share of the economic benifites.