From theory to transformation: Grounded’s systemic approach to impact
A systemic approach to impact
In 2021 at COP26 in Glasgow, world leaders agreed to “commit to working collectively to halt and reverse forest loss and land degradation by 2030 while delivering sustainable development and promoting an inclusive rural transformation.” This is a commendable aim, which recognises the deeply interconnected nature of these two challenges.
Most of the world’s poor are farmers, and most of the world’s farmers are poor – and these challenges are largely concentrated in rural areas. Many efforts have been made to increase the income of these rural people, however no solution has fundamentally changed the status quo. Usually solutions target one aspect of the problem and not the entire system within which these problems arise.
We believe that real change requires a systemic approach. Transforming value chain dynamics means addressing the entirety of the system, not just isolated segments. Our experience has revealed the complexity and interconnectivity at the intersection of agriculture, livelihoods, food systems, degradation and conservation. While these systemic challenges can perpetuate a negative cycle, they also present opportunities to improve the system.
Our approach is to:
- Address the root causes of systemic issues at various levels, from the farmer’s field to the entrepreneur’s access to investment capital, focusing on mechanisms that target specific gaps or problems.
- Create the environmental and economic conditions for these mechanisms to endure and achieve long-term impact, moving beyond isolated interventions.
- Forge partnerships that amplify and replicate these pathways of transformation, tackling the problem at scale.
Theory of Change
We actively address four key areas in pursuit of our purpose to make regenerative agriculture economically viable and scalable for farmers in Africa. While our theory of change provides a framework and rationale for our approach, change is not a linear process. It is complex and cannot always be neatly categorised into the separate boxes shown here. We reflect, evaluate and adjust our approach on a regular basis.
Our impact
Our impact reports
An overview of our 2023 operational footprint
An overview of our 2023 operational footprint
Our sourcing guidelines
Building a regenerative food system takes time and dedication. To guide our journey and ensure we live up to our values, we’ve established sourcing guidelines. These guidelines direct us and the companies within our group to achieve the positive impact we strive for. Our sourcing guidelines incorporate standards set by established, market-recognised certification schemes (like Organic, Regenerative Organic, and Fair Wild) and are based on the following principles:
- Soil health: The ingredients we source and farming practices we employ improve soil quality.
- Sustainable wild harvesting: When wild ingredients are included, harvesting practices must adhere to sustainable management plans.
- Fairness for farmers: Farmers receive a fair share of the value created by their product.
