Effectiveness of agricultural certification schemes for improving socio-economic outcomes in low- and middle-income countries

This report summarises a systematic review by Oya and colleagues that assesses the impact of agriculture certification schemes on improving socio-economic conditions for workers and farmers in low- and middle-income countries. The authors found that the impact of certification schemes on yields is mixed. Prices for some certified products increased and farmer income from the sale of the certified product was slightly higher. However, the average household incomes and asset ownership of farmers did not increase. They also found that the average workers’ wages were no different or slightly lower. There was a significant impact on school attendance in Africa, but not in Asia and Latin American and the Caribbean.