Fair Trade Principle 1: Creating Opportunities for Disadvantaged Producers

In today's interconnected world, our consumption choices have a profound impact on the lives of people across the globe. As we enjoy an abundance of products, it's essential to consider the conditions under which they are produced. Many producers, especially those from developing countries and marginalized communities, face numerous challenges and barriers in the global market. Fair Trade, a movement founded on ethical principles, aims to empower these disadvantaged producers by providing them with opportunities that can change their lives for the better. Let's explore the first principle of Fair Trade and how it creates pathways for growth and prosperity for those who need it most.

Fair Trade Principle 1: Opportunities for Disadvantaged Producers

At the core of Fair Trade lies its first principle: creating opportunities for disadvantaged producers. This principle recognizes the systemic inequalities and exploitative practices prevalent in conventional trade and seeks to redress them by offering a more just and sustainable alternative. 

1. Inclusive Access to Markets: Disadvantaged producers often struggle to access global markets due to limited resources and lack of connections. Fair Trade organizations bridge this gap by establishing direct trade links between producers and consumers, eliminating middlemen and ensuring fair access to markets.

2. Capacity Building: Fair Trade invests in capacity-building programs to empower producers with knowledge and skills. Training in sustainable farming practices, product development, and market trends equips producers to compete effectively and improve the quality of their goods.

3. Fair Financing: Access to finance is a significant barrier for many producers, especially in the agricultural sector. Fair Trade organizations provide pre-financing and low-interest credit, allowing producers to invest in their businesses and cover production costs.

4. Long-Term Relationships: Fair Trade fosters long-term partnerships between producers and buyers. These stable relationships offer security and encourage producers to invest in improving their production capabilities, knowing they have a reliable market for their goods.

5. Empowering Marginalized Communities: Fair Trade promotes the inclusion of marginalized groups, such as women, indigenous communities, and small-scale farmers. By providing fair opportunities, it helps elevate these groups, empowering them to actively participate in economic activities and decision-making processes.

6. Sustainable Livelihoods: Fair Trade ensures that producers receive fair prices for their goods. This leads to more sustainable livelihoods, enabling producers to break the cycle of poverty and provide a better future for their families.

7. Environmental Stewardship: Fair Trade encourages eco-friendly practices, such as organic farming and responsible resource management. By prioritizing environmental sustainability, Fair Trade producers play a role in protecting natural resources for future generations.

Global Mamas is a prime example of a Fair Trade organization that embodies the principles of creating opportunities for disadvantaged producers. Founded in 2003, Global Mamas is a social enterprise that operates in Ghana, West Africa, with a mission to empower women and artisans through sustainable livelihoods. It is arguably one of the most important brands in our shop! Here is an explanation of  how they implement principle 1 "Creating Opportunities for Disadvantaged Producers:

1. Inclusive Access to Markets: Global Mamas empowers women artisans by providing them with access to global markets. The organization connects these talented artisans with consumers worldwide through various channels, including online platforms and retail partnerships. By eliminating middlemen, Global Mamas ensures that the artisans receive fair prices for their handcrafted products.

2. Capacity Building: Recognizing the importance of skills development, Global Mamas invests in capacity-building programs for its artisans. Training sessions focus on product design, quality control, financial literacy, and management skills. This equips the artisans with the knowledge needed to run successful businesses and compete effectively in the international market.

3. Fair Financing: Global Mamas offers pre-financing to its artisan partners, providing them with the necessary resources to purchase materials and cover production costs. This financial support is crucial, especially for artisans who lack access to traditional banking services or collateral.

4. Long-Term Relationships: Global Mamas fosters long-term relationships with its artisans, ensuring stability and predictability in their work. By providing a consistent market for their products, the artisans can plan for the future, invest in their businesses, and create sustainable livelihoods.

5. Empowering Marginalized Communities: Global Mamas places a strong emphasis on gender equality and women's empowerment. The majority of their artisan partners are women who come from disadvantaged backgrounds. By supporting these women artisans, Global Mamas helps break down gender barriers and uplifts entire communities.

6. Sustainable Livelihoods: Through fair prices and consistent orders, Global Mamas enables its artisans to build sustainable livelihoods. Many of these women are now able to support their families, provide education for their children, and improve their living conditions.

7. Environmental Stewardship: Global Mamas is committed to promoting eco-friendly practices. The organization encourages the use of natural and locally sourced materials, reducing the environmental impact of production processes.

I love hearing the Personal stories of the producers. This story is an extract from an Interview by batik designer Nick Ruffalo. Cape Coast Ghana, July 2021.

"My name is Grace Adoboe, and I am a seamstress with Global Mamas in Cape Coast, Ghana................. I first heard about Global Mamas through a friend when I moved to Cape Coast. She was also a seamstress and sewing regular orders for them. I went to the Global Mamas office to apply, and they gave me a test pattern to take home. When I brought it back they said that they liked my work…this was about 19 years ago. I have always sewn neat, and they saw that, but Global Mamas has helped me refine my skill even more. They don’t accept anything but the highest quality. This has helped me secure orders from other partners. I even have a contract with a school that I sew uniforms for because they value the quality that I deliver.

I am enjoying my work, and I like working with Global Mamas. They keep me very busy, but sometimes we disagree on things. However, I know that I’m able to speak my mind and they will listen. No matter the disagreement, we will work together to find a way forward that benefits both of us. We are business partners who respect each other and you have to be honest and transparent with your partner.

Now I am a big tree in my family. I support a lot of them: my brothers, sisters, their children, and my children. I don’t spend my money alone. If I can help, I will. I have three children, two girls, and one boy. The firstborn is now a teacher, but during the beginning years of Global Mamas, she was their production manager. My second born is finishing up her master’s, and the last born, my son, is still in college studying IT. My children are proud of me and know that I can do all things by God’s grace. In some years’ time, I hope to have finished my house, and I would want to train someone who can lead the work with the business I’ve built."

Global Mamas exemplifies the first principle of Fair Trade by providing opportunities for disadvantaged producers. Through inclusive access to markets, capacity-building initiatives, fair financing, and long-term relationships, Global Mamas empowers these artisans to create sustainable livelihoods that can allow the luxury to dream big for themselves and their families. As consumers, supporting organizations like Global Mamas and choosing Fair Trade products can make a significant difference in the lives of disadvantaged producers worldwide. By standing together, we can foster a more equitable and sustainable global trade system for a better future for all.

Click on here to view our collection of Global Mamas .

Image Credit: All images are from the Global Mamas Website.