Stronger together - smallholder farmers and Fairtrade
Fairtrade Africa strives to support small-scale farmers and workers around the world. We work with nearly 1,900 producer organisations, representing almost two million farmers and workers.
Farming is the most important source of income and occupation for low-income households in rural areas. In fact, the livelihood of 40 percent of the global population depends on farming.
Smallholders are small-scale farmers who manage areas varying from less than one hectare to 10 hectares which is managed at family level. It is used in part for production and to cover family needs.
This also means that they compete in a global market to sell their produce. Where the benefits of trade are unevenly distributed. At the start of global supply chains, smallholders in Africa and beyond are facing challenging conditions, less bargaining power and precarious livelihoods. They are also hit hardest by the consequences of climate change.
How Fairtrade Africa works with smallholder farmers
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Strong cooperatives
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Fairer pricing
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Decision making
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Market access
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Climate resilience
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Fairer working conditions
“In times of crisis, it becomes evident that Fairtrade enhances farmers’ economic resilience and supports them in continuing their profession in challenging times,”
Tatjana Mauthofer
researcher at Mainlevel Consulting and co-author of the study "Assessing the Impact of Fairtrade on Poverty Reduction and Economic Resilience through Rural Development".
Support farmers
