Who Are We

4F is a platform built by and for smallholder farmers, placing farmers and communities as key actors in forest protection and sustainable production. Through direct incentives, structured databases, and multi-stakeholder partnerships, 4F promotes deforestation-free practices and bridges local action with global commitments.

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4F Guidance Document

Download and explore the comprehensive document regarding the framework, procedures, and operational guidelines of Farmers4Forest to support sustainable forest management.

A Brief History of 4F

4F was launched on August 1, 2023 as an initiative by and for smallholder farmers, local communities, and Indigenous Peoples. As a foundation platform connecting smallholders directly with markets, government, and stakeholders, 4F channels forest-protection incentives, applies a simplified HCS–HCV approach, and promotes participatory forest management and monitoring to support measurable, deforestation-free sustainable agriculture and forestry.

Vision & Mission

Vision

4F envisions stable and sustainable landscapes for community wellbeing and forest protection.

Mission

4F supports smallholders, Indigenous Peoples, and local/indigenous communities to receive support and incentives to improve wellbeing, food security, and livelihoods, while protecting and conserving forests and the environment.

4F Safeguard

4F Safeguard is a standard framework to ensure all foundation activities are carried out responsibly, transparently, and inclusively, while protecting people and the environment through measurable mitigation strategies to support positive impact and long-term sustainability. The basic Safeguard Framework consists of six core principles:

A. Environmental Safeguards

A.1. Forest Ecosystem Protection

No deforestation or habitat degradation.
Farmer programmes are aligned with environmental carrying capacity.

A.2. Environmental Impact Management

Environmental screening before programmes start.
Promoting agroforestry, organic farming and environmental risk mitigation.

A.3. Biodiversity Conservation

Protection of key species and wildlife corridors.

B. Social Safeguards

B.1. Rights of Indigenous & Local Communities

Recognising customary rights and FPIC as the basis for engagement.

B.2. Protection of Farmers

Prohibition of discrimination and exploitative practices.

B.3. Participation

Involving women, youth and vulnerable groups.

B.4. Gender Equality

Promoting women's leadership and equal access to benefits.

C. Labour Safeguards

C.1. Decent Working Conditions

Wages in line with standards and humane working hours.

C.2. Prohibition of Child Labour

Prohibiting the use of child labour in all foundation and partner activities.

C.3. Occupational Health & Safety

Use of PPE and basic OHS standards in the field.

D. Governance Safeguards

D.1. Financial Accountability

Annual audits and transparent bookkeeping.

D.2. Anti-Fraud

Prohibition of corruption, bribery and misuse of funds.

D.3. Data Protection

Secure management of farmer and community data based on consent.

E. Communication & Partnerships

E.1. Ethical Information

Public communication that is honest, not misleading and respects community dignity.

E.2. Responsible Partnerships

Partnering with actors committed to human rights and forest protection.

F. Grievance Mechanism

Reporting channels such as hotline, WhatsApp, email and village complaint boxes for concerns and feedback.

G. Monitoring & Evaluation

Regular monitoring and annual evaluation to ensure safeguard implementation and continuous improvement.

4F Code of Conduct

This Code of Conduct serves as a behavioural guideline for all parties—internal and external—working with 4F to uphold integrity, professionalism, accountability, effectiveness, and the foundation’s sustainability.

Core Values

Integrity (honest and responsible) Transparency (open and accountable information) Accountability (responsible for decisions and resources) Participation (involving smallholders, Indigenous Peoples, and vulnerable groups) Sustainability (protecting the environment and wellbeing) Non-discrimination (respecting everyone’s rights)

Individual Conduct

Act professionally and respect others in every interaction.
Protect the confidentiality and security of foundation and community data/information, including entrusted third-party data.
Avoid conduct that creates conflicts of interest or harms the foundation’s reputation.
Do not engage in violence, harassment, bullying, intimidation, or discrimination.
Use the foundation’s assets and facilities appropriately and responsibly.
Maintain constructive communication and coordination without creating division.

Financial Management Ethics

Manage foundation funds transparently and in compliance with applicable regulations.
Maintain complete, accurate, and timely financial records.
Avoid misuse of funds, gratuities, and all forms of corruption.
All expenditures must be supported by official documentation and follow established procedures.

Programme Ethics

Respect local customs and traditions.
Maintain good communication and coordination throughout implementation with programme managers, stakeholders, and local communities.
Engage communities fairly and respect local knowledge.
Implement activities based on Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC).
Prioritise the safety of teams and communities in all field activities.
Maintain the accuracy of data, research outputs, and programme reporting.
Prohibits unprofessional conduct and misconduct that may violate rights, including:
- Use of alcohol and narcotics.
- Use of hazardous substances that endanger occupational safety.
- Involvement in sabotage.
- Instigating or engaging in fights.
- Bullying and stalking.
- Forming exclusive groups that discriminate against others.
- Disclosing foundation or leadership secrets not intended for improvement.

Ethics with Partners & External Parties

Respect the rights, wellbeing, and safety of others.
Share relevant information regarding security conditions in working areas.
Build cooperation based on mutual respect and fairness.
Reject collusion, corruption, and unethical practices in partner relationships.
Provide accurate and non-misleading information to external parties.
Avoid statements that harm social cohesion or damage organisations.
Maintain the foundation’s independence in making strategic decisions.

Handling Code Violations

Violations are handled through an internal grievance mechanism with protection for good-faith reporters, processed fairly, and may result in administrative sanctions, termination of engagement, or legal action in accordance with applicable provisions.