MONITORING EVALUATION AND LEARNING

It is essential for the BCI that changes as a result of working with the Better Cotton System and growing Better Cotton are measured and reported.

This requires effective processes for monitoring, evaluation and learning that articulate a theory of change from farm activities to grow Better Cotton, BCI member activities, and BCI Secretariat management to BCI’s long-term objectives and 2012 goals. This relies on the collection of data that is robustly measured and provides useful information for farmers, all BCI members, funders, consumers, partners, and BCI to evaluate success. That is, to know, if the existence of the BCI makes global cotton production better for the people who produce it, better for the environment it grows in and better for the sector’s future.

 

In particular, after three years of working with the Better Cotton System it will be essential to know if growing Better Cotton has inherent benefits for cotton farming communities across continents such as an increase in the financial profitability of growing cotton, reduced use of inputs, improved working conditions, improved health, or improved fibre quality.