Yielding better returns for ylang ylang growers, Comoros 

Overview

Used to make essential oil, ylang ylang provides a vital source of income for farmers and pickers without alternative options, it is not enough to support households.

Our client commissioned twentyfifty to conduct an assessment to better understand the financial realities of farmers, farm workers, and pickers in the ylang ylang supply chain in Mohéli, Comoros.

They asked us to identify targeted actions that would help farmers achieve a living income and workers/pickers to receive a living wage.

Our approach

Our assessment built on a 2024 Human Rights Impact Assessment (HRIA), which revealed that many pickers earn insufficient wages to meet basic household needs.

We used data collected in June 2025 by a consultant based in Comoros and followed up with stakeholder engagement to compare actual incomes and wages.

We worked with our client’s supplier to build their capacity and understanding of the findings.

Living expenses are increasing on top of insufficient incomes and wages, while the effects of climate change are expected to reduce yield, further reducing incomes.

The most successful farmers have a variety of income sources, but many farmers lack the skills and funds to invest in diversifying their income.

Results

We made recommendations to our  client and their supplier relating to annual living expenses studies, contracting and buying practices as well as capacity building and exploring co-funding options for impact programmes.

Living income and wage challenges can contribute to other human rights issues such as child labour and working hours.

Improving the picture requires a value chain approach. By taking informed action, our client and its supplier can make a significant positive difference to people’s lives.