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
Transparency
Accountability
Participation
Sustainability
Non-discrimination
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.

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