Principles for Responsible Agricultural Investment (RAI) that Respects Rights, Livelihoods and Resources
Principle 1: Existing rights to land and associated natural resources are recognized and respected
(a) Proper identification of all rights holders
(b) Legal recognition demarcation and registration/recording
(c) Direct and informed negotiation with land holders/users
(d) Fair and prompt payment for all acquired rights
(e) Independent avenues for resolving disputes or grievances
Principle 2: Investments do not jeopardize food security but rather strengthen it
(a) Ensure at least equivalent access to food by affected populations
(b) Expand opportunities for outgrower/off-farm employment
(c) Adopt strategies to prevent food shortages/reduce risks
(d) Consider impacts on national food security in design/approval
Principle 3: Processes for accessing land and other resources and then making associated investments are transparent, monitored, and ensure accountability by all stakeholders, within a proper business, legal, and regulatory environment.
Principle 4: All those materially affected are consulted, and agreements from consultations are recorded and enforced.
This requires clarity on:
(a) Procedural requirements
(b) The character of agreements reached in such consultations
(c) How the agreements can be enforced
Principle 5: Investors ensure that projects respect the rule of law, reflect industry best practice, are viable economically, and result in durable shared value.
(a) Comply with laws, international treaties, best practices
(b) Adhere to global best practices
(c) Aim to increase shareholder value & benefit host area
Principle 6: Investments generate desirable social and distributional impacts and do not increase vulnerability
(b) Strategies to mitigate risks and increase social benefits
(c) Consider interests of vulnerable groups & women
(d) Include provision of local public goods in project design
