Our Theory of Change: A Global Agricultural Trade Supporting People and Planet
Agricultural trade provides benefits to people in terms of food security, employment and income. However, it is also the largest driver of biodiversity loss. It has a major role in worsening climate change and increasing social inequity. The agricultural commodities that we studied are predominantly grown in the Global South and traded for consumption in the Global North. These include crops linked to deforestation and biodiversity loss in tropical regions and those with substantial equity issues within and along their supply chains. Our theory of change is that if a) we can understand the impacts of different commodities in the Global South, b) we develop tools and metrics to better measure the impacts of these trade systems, c) we work with national and international bodies to influence the conduct of agricultural commodity trade, and d) we collaborate with businesses involved in these trades, then we can improve the guidance and standards available to governments and businesses and create positive impact for both people and planet.