Date of Graduation

5-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Accounting

Advisor/Mentor

Amy Lynn Farmer

Abstract

This thesis examines buyer–seller relationships between small-scale farmers and lead firms in rural Belize, with a focus on how sustainability initiatives affect farmer autonomy and satisfaction. Drawing on firsthand fieldwork conducted during an internship with the Belize Ministry of Agriculture in Dangriga, this study analyzes the Sustainable and Inclusive Belize program and its efforts to promote climate-smart agriculture and environmentally sustainable production practices. While these initiatives aim to improve long-term environmental and economic outcomes, findings suggest that strict oversight, organic requirements, and compliance standards imposed by lead firms—such as large agricultural buyers—can reduce farmers’ decision-making autonomy and overall satisfaction.

Through interviews, observations, and case studies, this research explores alternative approaches that better balance sustainability goals with farmer well-being. Specifically, it highlights the potential of cooperative structures, entrepreneurial mindsets, pooled resources, and distributed decision-making. Successful examples, including cooperative efforts in Bullet Tree Falls, demonstrate how collaborative models can increase farmer agency while maintaining environmental standards.

Ultimately, this thesis argues that sustainability initiatives are most effective when they integrate farmer perspectives and prioritize both environmental outcomes and human well-being. By fostering flexible, locally adapted solutions, policymakers and lead firms can create more equitable and sustainable agricultural systems in Belize.

Keywords

Small-scale farmers; Belize agriculture; Sustainable supply chains; Farmer autonomy; Agricultural cooperatives; Buyer–seller relationships

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