Diversification is proving a more tempting option than continuing with Fairtrade crops for many smallholders across Africa, according to experts on the continent’s trade.
Branching out beyond one product, or cash crops, could present a solution for the increasing numbers of farmers struggling to survive on the tightly squeezed margins enforced by the economic downturn.
Silver Kasoro-Atwoki of the African Fairtrade Network told attendees at the recent Fairtrade Foundation conference: “Diversification is the answer for many farmers. At the moment, high costs of production mean it is hard to maintain the number of workers.
“But many farmers are looking at loans and we have negotiated tax exemptions, which mean that cash crops are not the only option. Moving into maize, potatoes, beans, these kinds of products can offer so much and so you don’t have to depend on one product. We also need to add value to these products to compete favourably.”
However, Merling Preza from the Latin American Network of Fairtrade Producers, was sceptical about this approach: “Diversification is definitely a solution but it’s also an investment," he said. "For us it would be difficult to switch to food production [from coffee] and risk the environment and the soil.
“For us the key is working towards the empowerment of smaller farmers who will protect the environment they care about. Fairtrade is more than just the price - it’s a way of life, and it helps us improve our situation and gives greater stability to families."
The event, which took place ahead of the start of Fairtrade Fortnight, brought together farmers, retailers, academics and NGO members, who debated all aspects of the Fairtrade movement, suggesting further budget could be assigned to it by retailers, impressing the importance of networking in strengthening the supply chain and stressing that the food miles debate should not impinge upon Fairtrade.
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