Globalgap certification and working conditions of workers on smallholder mango farms in Ghana

Abstract

Smallholder farm workers are important actors in global agricultural value chains. However, there is limited research on the extent to which certification affects their working conditions. This study analyzes the effects of GlobalGAP certification on the working conditions of smallholder farm workers in Ghana’s mango sector, drawing on insights from the International Labor Organization (ILO) decent work framework and qualitative interviews with farmers, wage workers on both certified and non-certified mango farms, and key stakeholders. We found that GlobalGAP certification has the potential to improve working conditions by increasing wages and the number of people employed, creating a healthy working environment, establishing a grievance mechanism, and securing worker health and safety. However, we argue that the certification scheme does not necessarily promote decent work due to limitations in both the guidelines and implementation. We also found that financial constraints and the limited supply of an educated labor force impede the implementation of social standards stipulated in certification schemes. Based on these findings, we recommend that trade unions organize wage workers on mango farms to enhance social dialogue between the state and certification bodies. This can enhance the spread of social protection mechanisms in rural areas.