Many of the estimated five million smallholder farmers from whom we buy both directly and via intermediaries, live and work in isolation from online connectivity and digital tools. So they can’t benefit from those innovations and we can’t support them effectively or report accurately on their progress.
The Olam Farmer Information System, or OFIS, is a novel survey tool that bridges that gap. OFIS allows our field staff to collect data, record GPS data points for farms and social infrastructure, manage training activities and track all "first mile" transactions, including financing, input distribution and crop purchases. This yields comprehensive and detailed models of what's happening, so that farmers and other participants in the supply chain can maximise the effectiveness of their efforts.
Just as importantly, it allows us greater visibility, which results in development plans crafted to meet farmer needs, and more accurate reporting on sustainability, social justice and other positive business indicators. It’s a key input tool for AtSource, Olam's revolutionary sustainability insights platform for agricultural supply chains. So far, over 550k farmers in over 30 countries have been registered in the system, and we continue to rollout OFIS in 2021.
Child labour monitoring and remediation is set to be rolled out across Cameroon in the first programme of its kind by a cocoa company.
We recognise the importance of collaboration to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 and make true impact across our sector. If you are keen to collaborate or have an idea to discuss, please contact our team.