Stakeholder presentation of the Anker Research Institute’s Living Wage Benchmark Study for the banana growing areas of Côte D’Ivoire

Images provided by Fairtrade taken during the stakeholder meeting

28th February 2024

On February 28, the Anker Research Institute (ARI) and Fairtrade presented the results of an Anker Benchmark Living Wage study which focused on three important banana growing districts of Côte d’Ivoire (Lagunes, Vallee du Bandama, and Lacs). This ARI research study was led by Dr. Yapo N'Guessan, an associate professor at the Jean Lorougnon Guédé University in Daloa, Côte d’Ivoire, and included a representative from Fairtrade International, Ivorian and ARI researchers. Also in attendance were other representatives from government ministries, several banana producing companies, trade unions, and universities. The presentation of study results by Dr. N'Guessan was followed by a question-and-answer session that included a frank discussion on the findings and results of the study, and the effect that it could have on the banana industry in Côte d’Ivoire. This is an example of typical stakeholder engagement for Anker Living Wage and Living Income Benchmark studies. Presentation of study results to local stakeholders and interacting with them is key to operationalizing Living Wages.

27th February 2024

Tomorrow, we will meet with Fairtrade and local stakeholders in Abidjan, Côte D’Ivoire to present and discuss the results of our recent Anker Methodology Living Wage Benchmark Study for the banana growing areas of Côte D’Ivoire.

This ARI study was commissioned by Fairtrade International as part of a series of living wage studies and estimates for major banana exporting countries. Dr. Yapo N’Guessan, who led an Ivorian and ARI team, will present study results and conclusions and answer questions. Although the focus of the study was on the banana industry, the estimated living wage applies to all small and medium-sized towns of Lagunes, Vallée Du Bandama and Lacs Districts of Cote D’Ivoire where banana workers live.

This is the second Stakeholder Meeting for this study. The first took place before the study began when the research design and methodology were presented to and discussed with producers, unions and other interested parties.
Consultations with stakeholders from the beginning of the study reinforce our, and Fairtrade International's, commitment to transparency and dialogue as pillars of the living wage agenda.