Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the Fairtrade Theory of Change?

  What is the Fairtrade Theory of Change?

  Fairtrade’s Theory of Change explains how and why Fairtrade interventions are expected to contribute to positive change for farmers, workers, and their communities, based on available evidence. It maps the pathways from Fairtrade activities, such as standards, pricing mechanisms, capacity building, and advocacy, to outcomes and long-term impacts, while acknowledging the role of external factors.

• How should the Theory of Change be used?

  How should the Theory of Change be used?

  Anyone can refer to the Fairtrade Theory of Change to:

  • Understand Fairtrade’s approach and priorities;
  • Inform research related to Fairtrade;
  • Explore connections between Fairtrade interventions, such as pricing, standards, programmes, market development, and more.
• What are the main changes to the Theory of Change in 2026?

  What are the main changes to the Theory of Change in 2026?

  While most Fairtrade interventions and ultimately impact targets are the same, we made adjustments to remove outcomes or impacts toward which we have seen little Fairtrade impact (such as influence at a societal level on gender equality). We also added elements, linkages and supporting factors (which we call “enablers”) to a set of five pathways to achieving impact, to better reflect the evidence on how change occurs.

• What are “pathways of change?"

  What are “pathways of change?"

  Pathways of change describe distinct but interconnected routes through which Fairtrade contributes to outcomes and impacts. Each pathway groups together:

  • Interventions
  • Intermediate and long-term outcomes
  • Impacts
  • Enablers

  This structure helps clarify how change happens for different actors and themes.

• Which pathways are included in the Theory of Change?

  Which pathways are included in the Theory of Change?

  The updated Theory of Change includes five pathways, as identified in the 2025 Evidence Mapping study and then adjusted:

  1. Economic
  2. Climate and environment
  3. Social inclusion and agency
  4. Strengthened producer organisation
  5. Promoting fair, sustainable choices

  Not all pathways are relevant for all actors, which is why the interactive Theory of Change version allows pathway selection.

• Who are the “actors” shown in the Theory of Change?

  Who are the “actors” shown in the Theory of Change?

  Actors represent the main groups involved in or influenced by Fairtrade’s work, such as:

  • Farmers and small producer organisations
  • Workers and hired labour organisations
  • Producer networks
  • Traders, distributors, and retailers
  • Consumers and civil society
  • Stakeholders focused on climate-related risks

  The digital Theory of Change allows users to select actors to view the most relevant pathways.

• What are “enablers?”

  What are “enablers?”

  Enablers are conditions that support or accelerate change but are not direct outcomes themselves. Examples include strong producer organisations, diversity and inclusion, or access to markets.

  They were added to the Theory of Change in order to:

  • Make assumptions more explicit
  • Reflect evidence more accurately
  • Avoid overstating causal claims.
• Why are impacts described as “aspirational?”

  Why are impacts described as “aspirational?”

  Impacts represent long-term, system-level goals such as sustainable livelihoods or fairer supply chains. Fairtrade contributes to these goals but cannot be solely accountable for achieving them, as many external factors influence long-term change.

  For this reason, impacts are not directly monitored through Key Performance Indicators, whereas outcomes are.

• How does the Theory of Change link to monitoring, evaluation, and learning?

  How does the Theory of Change link to monitoring, evaluation, and learning?

  The Theory of Change provides the foundation for Fairtrade’s monitoring, evaluation and learning framework by:

  • Defining which outcomes are monitored
  • Guiding indicator selection
  • Informing learning priorities
  • Helping interpret evaluation findings

  Not all elements are monitored equally; some are tracked through existing systems, others through research.