Impact of Fairtrade in South Africa
Published: 30 Jun 2010
This briefing paper is drawn from an independent research study carried out in 2010 exploring the impacts that Fairtrade is having for five Fairtrade certified producer organisations in South Africa that sell Fairtrade citrus, table grapes, wine grapes, wine, apples, pears and raisins into the UK and other countries.
The research highlights a range of positive impacts of Fairtrade for farm workers including improved wages and employment terms and conditions, a stronger voice in business decision making and negotiations and better access to training, career advancements and social provisions (such as education and health).
For smallholder farmers, Fairtrade has supported organisational development, transparency and democracy, and provided a mechanism for accessing higher value international Fairtrade markets and securing higher prices.
It has also facilitated their access to business-related training and collective investment in farm machinery and tools to improve productivity, alongside investment in community infrastructure.