GRAISEA: Transforming Agribusiness for Gender Equity and Sustainability in Asia

The Gender Transformative and Responsible Agribusiness Investments in South-East Asia (GRAISEA) program is a multi-stakeholder initiative focused on fostering human rights and inclusivity within Asian agricultural value chains. Launched in 2015, GRAISEA operates on the principle that financial viability and gender-equitable, sustainable supply chains are not mutually exclusive, aiming for “win-win-win” outcomes for communities, small-scale producers, and businesses alike.

Program Overview and Objectives

GRAISEA, currently in its second phase, concentrates on demonstrating gender-transformative and responsible agribusiness models, particularly for women small-scale producers in the palm oil, rice, and aquaculture sectors [1]. The program functions as a convener, bringing together diverse stakeholders to promote responsible agribusiness policies and practices [1]. It operates in Cambodia, Indonesia, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Vietnam, leveraging partnerships between small-scale producers, private companies, and local country partners [2].

Key Areas of Focus

GRAISEA’s work centers around several key areas:

• Gender Empowerment: Prioritizing the empowerment of women within agricultural value chains.
• Climate Resilience: Integrating climate resilience strategies into agribusiness models.
• Responsible Investment: Promoting responsible and innovative investments in small and medium enterprises [1].
• Policy Advocacy: Advocating for inclusive and responsible agribusiness policies at regional (ASEAN) and national levels [2].
• Private Sector Engagement: Collaborating with leading agribusiness companies to adopt responsible business conduct and human rights principles [2].

Stakeholder Engagement

GRAISEA actively engages with a broad range of stakeholders, including:

• Asian national and regional companies in the agricultural sector (seafood, palm oil, rice) [2].
• Leading companies in Asia focused on business and human rights [2].
• Small-scale producers, particularly women.
• ASEAN and its member states.
• Multi-stakeholder initiatives like the Sustainable Rice Platform (SRP) and the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) [2].

Funding and Support

GRAISEA is funded by the Embassy of Sweden in Bangkok, alongside contributions from various local and international private sector partners [2]. Oxfam plays a central role as a convener and facilitator of the program [1].

Evaluation Methodology

Evaluations of GRAISEA employ outcome evidencing, contribution analysis, and process tracing methods to assess results, learning, and program management and coordination structures [1]. These methods aim to understand the causal relationships within the complex system of agribusiness and development.