User Guide: How to Utilize SAGCOT’s Four Inclusive Green Growth (IGG) Tools for Small and Medium/Large-Scale Producers and Processors

The Inclusive Green Growth (IGG) tools are practical guides developed under the Southern Agricultural Growth Corridor of Tanzania (SAGCOT) initiative to help small, medium, and large-scale agricultural producers and processors adopt sustainable practices. These tools help businesses improve their operations, ensure compliance with national and international regulations, and promote environmental and social sustainability.

This guide provides a clear, step-by-step overview of using each of the four IGG tools:

1. Small-Scale Producers Tool
2. Small-Scale Processors Tool
3. Medium and Large-Scale Producers Tool
4. Medium and Large-Scale Processors Tool

General Steps for Using the IGG Tools

Each IGG tool follows a similar structure with sections evaluating inclusivity and social, business, and environmental sustainability. Below are the general steps for effectively using each tool:

1. Download the Appropriate IGG Tool:
   • Ensure you have access to the correct IGG tool that matches your category (small-scale or medium/large-scale, and producer or processor).
2. Review the Tool’s Structure:
   • Familiarize yourself with the tool’s structure, including the key sections such as Introduction, Compliance Principles, Assessment Criteria, Scoring Mechanism, and Evaluation Forms.
3. Complete the Self-Assessment Checklist:
   • Answer the questions in the self-assessment checklist related to labor practices, gender equality, business sustainability, environmental management, and other criteria. Provide accurate and detailed responses for each category.
4. Calculate Your Scores:
   • Use the scoring reference provided in the tool to rate your performance in each category. Scores range from “Very Poor” to “Exceeding,” depending on your level of compliance and sustainability practices.
5. Identify Areas for Improvement:
   • Based on your scores, identify areas where improvement is needed. Create an action plan to address these gaps.
6. Submit Your Annual Report:
   • Complete and submit the annual IGG assessment report to the SAGCOT Centre by December 31st each year, as required.

Tool-Specific Guidelines

1. Small-Scale Producers Tool

• Who Should Use It: Farmers with land holdings of up to 10 hectares and investment below TZS 50 million.
• Key Areas to Address:
  • Inclusivity and Social Sustainability: Evaluate labor policies, non-discrimination practices, and community engagement.
  • Business Sustainability: Ensure good governance, proper financial record-keeping, and compliance with registration and certification requirements.
  • Environmental Sustainability: Implement practices that conserve water and soil, reduce waste, and adopt climate-smart agricultural techniques.
• Steps for Usage:
  • Conduct an initial self-assessment using the tool’s questions and guidelines.
  • Review the scoring reference to see where your practices rank.
  • Create a yearly work plan that includes sustainability goals and submit it to the SAGCOT Centre.

2. Small-Scale Processors Tool

• Who Should Use It: Small-scale processors with low use of technology and capital investments of up to TZS 50 million.
• Key Areas to Address:
  • Inclusivity and Social Sustainability: Establish fair labor practices, support gender equality, and resolve conflicts amicably.
  • Business Sustainability: Demonstrate good governance, legal compliance, and certification by regulatory authorities (e.g., TBS, TMDA).
  • Environmental Sustainability: Manage waste effectively, adopt cleaner production technologies, and implement pollution control measures.
• Steps for Usage:
  • Use the assessment checklist to evaluate your current practices.
  • Highlight areas that need improvement, such as waste management or governance.
  • Develop an action plan and submit your annual report, including improvements made during the year.

3. Medium and Large-Scale Producers Tool

• Who Should Use It: Producers with larger land holdings, employing more workers, and using more advanced agricultural techniques.
• Key Areas to Address:
  • Inclusivity and Social Sustainability: Implement robust policies to support workers, ensure fair wages, and foster community development.
  • Business Sustainability: Establish strong governance frameworks, comply with financial and business regulations, and maintain transparency.
  • Environmental Sustainability: Focus on large-scale adoption of climate-smart agriculture, efficient resource utilization, and conservation practices.
• Steps for Usage:
  • Conduct a detailed self-assessment of your operations.
  • Engage stakeholders in identifying areas for improvement.
  • Implement sustainability initiatives and track progress through the IGG scoring system.

4. Medium and Large-Scale Processors Tool

• Who Should Use It: Larger processors with higher capital investments and advanced technological adoption.
• Key Areas to Address:
  • Inclusivity and Social Sustainability: Develop comprehensive policies for labor management, support for local communities, and conflict resolution.
  • Business Sustainability: Establish advanced operational procedures, obtain certifications, and adhere to high standards of business ethics.
  • Environmental Sustainability: Reduce environmental impact through the use of cleaner technologies, efficient waste management, and resource conservation.
• Steps for Usage:
  • Use the IGG tool to review and refine your policies and procedures.
  • Regularly update your environmental management plans and operational manuals.
  • Engage in capacity-building programs for staff and partners to support the sustainability agenda.

Detailed Steps for Using the IGG Tools

1. Complete the Assessment Guiding Questions:
   • For each section, the tool provides guiding questions to evaluate your practices. For example:
     • Inclusivity and Social Sustainability: “Do you have a gender equality policy?” “How do you support local community development?”
     • Business Sustainability: “Are you legally registered?” “Do you have a financial policy in place?”
     • Environmental Sustainability: “Do you have a waste management plan?” “What measures do you take to conserve water and soil?”
2. Assign Scores Based on Performance:
   • Rate your performance in each category based on the provided scoring criteria:
     • Very Poor: No awareness or action taken.
     • Poor: Minimal action or awareness.
     • Fair: Limited action or awareness, meeting minimum conditions.
     • Good: Follows basic standards, with opportunities for further improvement.
     • Exceeding: Best IGG practice, aligned with national and international standards.
3. Create an Action Plan:
   • After scoring, create a detailed action plan to address areas with lower scores. Include steps, timelines, and resources needed for improvement.
4. Annual Reporting:
   • Complete the annual assessment form, review your performance, and submit your report to SAGCOT by December 31st. This report should summarise your improvements and goals for the following year.

Additional Tips for Success

• Regularly Update Your Practices: Continuously seek ways to improve your sustainability practices. Regular updates will reflect positively on your scoring.
• Engage Stakeholders: Involve employees, community members, and business partners in implementing changes.
• Participate in Capacity Building Programs: Leverage training opportunities provided by SAGCOT and partners to stay updated on best practices and regulatory requirements.

Download here- https://sagcot.co.tz/2024/10/04/iggtools/