Empowering Sustainability: Transforming Cotton Farming and Manufacturing in Turkey

Sustainable Cotton Training Program in Turkey

The textile industry plays a pivotal role in Turkey’s economy, contributing 7% to the national GDP and positioning the country as the 4th largest global textile manufacturer. However, the industry heavily relies on small-scale farmers and manufacturers, with 56% of the workforce being women, most of whom lack formal education beyond high school.

This project aims to:

  • Empower women in the textile sector.

  • Promote sustainable cotton farming and manufacturing techniques.

  • Enhance Turkey's competitive edge in the global textile market.

To empower women in Turkey's textile industry by fostering sustainable cotton farming and manufacturing practices, enhancing environmental responsibility, and helping the competitiveness of Turkey’s textile sector in the global market

1- Mission Statement

Mapping Turkey's Sustainable Cotton Regions

Aydin

Izmir

Adana

Hatay

Diyarbakir

Sanliurfa

1. Educating 16,000 small-scale farmers and manufacturers, particularly women, on sustainable cotton farming and manufacturing techniques

2.Reducing pesticide use and water consumption in cotton farming

3.Increasing the adoption of sustainable practices in Turkey’s textile industry

4.Establishing a traceable system for sustainable cotton production through licensing

5.Promoting women’s empowerment and improving their economic opportunities within the textile industry

2- Objectives

  • Collaborate with local universities to create a sustainable farming and manufacturing curriculum.

  • Select and train tutors for program delivery.

3- Planning Process

  • Develop a marketing communication plan to raise awareness, secure funding, and recruit participants.

  • Partner with NGOs and government bodies to establish the fund.

  • Engage local farmers and manufacturers in targeted regions: Şanlıurfa, Aydın, Hatay, Diyarbakır, Adana, and İzmir.

  • Teach sustainable cotton farming and eco-friendly manufacturing techniques.

  • Create a digitally trackable license for program participants, ensuring product traceability for consumers.

Curriculum Development

Implementation

Marketing and Outreach

Digital Licensing

1- Partner with NGOs, sponsors, and government bodies, including:

2- Use social media to:

3- Deliver training programs:

  • UNDP, WWF, and the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change.

  • Textile companies supporting sustainable practices.

  • Raise awareness about the program.

  • Attract participants and funding.

  • Advisory boards set program principles.

  • Local universities execute the training.

4- Monitor progress through KPIs:

  • Number of participants.

  • Area covered.

  • Cotton output metrics.

5- Issue sustainability licenses:

  • Enable product traceability for consumers.

  • Provide competitive advantage to manufacturers using sustainable cotton.

4- Execution Process

Focus on the 56% of the textile workforce who are women, especially those with limited formal education.

Prioritize the south and southeast regions of Turkey, which are vital to the textile industry.

Encourage participation through collaboration with farmers, manufacturers, and local leaders.

Empowering Women

Targeting Underserved Regions

Engaging Local Communities

5- Community Involvement

6- ESG Perspective

E

S

G

Reducing pesticide use and water consumption

Supporting climate-resilient practices

Empowering woman in agricultural workforce

Strengthening underserved regions

Establishing strong advisory and monitoring framework to oversee program's implementation and KPIs

Establishing the “Turkey Sustainable Cotton Farming and Manufacturing Innovation Fund” supported by

  • UNDP and WWF

  • The Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change.

  • Sponsorship from textile companies

Leveraging ongoing investments in sustainable cotton to ensure the program's long-term financial sustainability

7- Financial Modeling

  • Number of participants trained.

  • Geographic area covered.

  • Cotton production and manufacturing output.

  • Collect feedback through surveys and community discussions.

  • Adjust training methods and goals as needed.

  • Publish monthly/annual reports to share progress and results with stakeholders.

KPIs Monitoring

Participant Feedback

Transparency

8- Evaluation & Feedback

1- Expand the program to additional regions in Turkey and other textile-producing countries.

2- Develop partnerships with global brands seeking sustainable supply chains.

3- Support innovation in sustainable textile manufacturing techniques.

4- Strengthen the licensing system to enhance the global competitiveness of Turkish textiles.

5- Build further initiatives focused on environmental sustainability and women’s empowerment in other sectors.

9- Future Opportunities