At Solidaridad, we are committed to playing our part in breaking down barriers and amplifying voices that have been historically excluded and underrepresented. At the heart of our global economy are the small producers – the smallholder farmers, artisanal miners, factory workers and small-scale entrepreneurs. Achieving sustainability on a global level utterly depends on the full inclusion and participation of these producers to build their businesses, support their families, strengthen their communities and claim their dues in the global economy.

Looking within

The speed of disruptive change in our society is a demanding challenge for any organization. Accelerated climate change, two years of Covid, followed by major global disruptions since the Ukraine crisis can create a sense of disintegration, motivational problems and invisibility. And, it creates a sense of urgency. The need for sustainability and fairness only grows more acute with each new change. In 2021, we pulled together as a network to harness our shared desire to ‘be the change we wish to see.’

We continued to offer support to team members around the globe grappling with ongoing Covid-related disruptions through flexible working environments, adjustments to travel and project timelines as required, and more. And, we worked hard to foster our sense of interconnectedness as a network. Many Town Halls were organized and with the introduction of smarter information dashboards, we took another important step towards engaging a data-driven and continuous learning dialogue with all Solidaridad regions. The information dashboards are based on aggregated network data on finance, human resource development, fundraising pipeline management, impact measurement and communication achievements. Both for interconnectedness and for learning, insights and actions based on management information are important to guide the network towards achieving the ambitions set in our multi-annual strategy.

Solidaridad Network is one organization, one brand, with one vision and strategy. Its strength is its commitment to locally grown and relevant leadership and expertise, and a shared culture of global sharing and collaboration. This concept of ‘glocality’ – global policy setting linking regional programming to sectoral and structural changes in the world economy – is the foundation of the transformative power of our network organization.

What we achieved

In 2021 we saw our multi-annual strategic plan set sail at a rapid clip. Although disruptions and challenges remained, we, like much of the world, had learned to adapt to and navigate these turbulent times. With continued partnership and support from longtime champions of our cause, and the addition of new partners and relationships, we were able to achieve crucial milestones around the world. 

When monitoring and reporting our results we distinguish according to our scope of influence: 1) outputs where Solidaridad has direct influence on the results and outcome level, where we monitor the effect of those results on the stakeholders we work with. And 2) we also monitor indirect results where we have contributed but cannot claim sole responsibility for the change.

The training and support provided by Solidaridad to over 1.2 million farmers, more than 736,000 workers, along with processors, governments and companies has translated to real improvements on the ground. A whopping 2.6 million hectares have been brought under sustainable management, 27.7m tCo2e has been sequestered, and 629,000 farmers saw improved yields and income. 

Our work in advocacy and market uptake also grew, with 9 new or improved mandatory sustainable frameworks put in place and 181 corporate partners testing solutions with us. We trained or supported 132 CSOs to participate in dialogues, and supported 436 processors and mines to improve their practices. We have also provided recommendations and influenced 75 private and public policies on sustainable consumption, production and trade. We trained and supported 132 civil society groups to enhance their involvement in decision-making.

And this is just the highest level look at the work we completed in 2021. Within each region are compelling stories of change, innovation, and hard work being accomplished. As you sift through the results and stories of impact, you will see the threads of gender and social inclusion, digital solutions, climate-smart practices, and food security running throughout. One year into our multi-annual strategic plan, the pace has been set for transformative change and we are steps closer to an economy that works for all.