Digital ICSCS

It is a small mobile application used to help coffee farmers in Oaxaca; Mexico achieve organic and fair trade certification. It has so far reached more than 1000 farmers and is estimated to reach even more.

The organization uses mobile phones to take pictures and make audio recordings to help coffee farmers get certification. (Photos are taken for accountability, as evidence of how coffee is grown).

They also help farmers form cooperatives, and evaluations are done depending on groups not individuals. This is because it costs much less to evaluate groups than an individual and also because groups are reached more easily.

They use an internal control system to review each farmer, by generating reports using a web application and file maker which generates reports automatically for certification purposes and proposals. This makes evaluations much faster and more cost effective. Communication with farmers is also done using the mobile. Training is also given to farmers.

 Challenges

    * Training is costly and some farmers can't afford it.
    * Maintenance is needed

The system can be duplicated by other countries