概要

This report evaluates the impact of Fairtrade certification on banana-growing smallholders, their cooperatives, and banana plantation workers in northern Colombia. Data was collected through structured questionnaires distributed amongst smallholders and hired workers; semi-structured interviews with other individuals such as managers, technical staff, buyers, and service providers; and focus-groups sessions with a sample of smallholders, hired workers, and their family members. The researchers find that Fairtrade has an overall positive impact on smallholder households and farms, however 23% of households report issues with food insecurity. The authors respond to cooperative leaders’ concerns over demand and prices by recommending Fairtrade intensify its market penetration, development and awareness in Europe. It is also found that Fairtrade has had significant impact on hired workers in certified plantations, improving labour conditions, housing conditions, and job stability. Amongst other recommendations, it is suggested that Fairtrade adjust its minimum unit price to better reflect production costs.