“For small-scale farmers and underdeveloped farming communities, the value of Fairtrade certification goes beyond just market access,” says Sandra Ndlovu, regional communication officer for Southern Africa at Fairtrade Africa.
“We don’t just help them enter markets; we focus on developing the small producer organisation because many of these farms are family-run without proper systems in place to scale. We provide training, assistance, and hands-on support through our programme officers who work with these producers daily.”
Ndlovu believes Fairtrade certification is a vital tool for small-scale farmers in South Africa who are looking to expand their reach and improve their financial outlook. However, the journey towards certification is not without challenges.
Obstacles for small-scale farmers
One of the biggest hurdles is cost. “In all honesty, it is not cheap for small-scale producers to get certified,” Ndlovu acknowledges. “This is something we are actively addressing because we are passionate about getting small-scale farmers into the Fairtrade realm. However, the financial barrier is significant.”
Additionally, the lack of awareness about Fairtrade in South Africa is another obstacle.
“Unfortunately, Fairtrade isn’t that well-known here. We don’t have a wide footprint, and that’s something we are working on – creating awareness through training and showcasing the tangible benefits that come with certification,” Ndlovu explains.
“The real value of Fairtrade certification is often seen in other parts of Africa, where more small-scale farmers have successfully gone through the process. In South Africa, we need to find ways to show small producers the benefits.”
Transforming lives through the Fairtrade premium
A key feature of Fairtrade certification is the premium that directly benefits workers and their communities.
“One of the things that sets Fairtrade apart is the premium that goes directly to the workers,” explains Ndlovu. “The workers have to establish a legal body, open a bank account, and manage the funds themselves. It’s a process that teaches them financial responsibility and management.”
This premium has led to remarkable improvements in the lives of farmworkers across South Africa. “We’ve seen farms build clinics, mobile libraries, and even fund university graduates through the premium,” she shares.
“One of the farms used the premium to buy their own wine farm, and they are now growing their own vineyards and producing their own wine. It’s amazing to witness this kind of transformation.”
Ndlovu recounts an emotional story of one family whose son graduated from university with the help of the Fairtrade premium.
“I spoke to a family whose son now has two university degrees thanks to the Fairtrade premium. They told the story like it was no big deal, but when I asked the mother how she felt about it, she burst into tears. This is the first generation in her family to not only finish high school but also obtain degrees. That’s the power of Fairtrade certification.”
Sustainability: A cornerstone of Fairtrade
Beyond wages and community projects, Fairtrade certification also insists on sustainability.
“Climate change is one of the biggest challenges we face in South Africa, and Fairtrade standards insist on environmental care. We audit producers to ensure they are not using harmful sprays and are managing water resources effectively.”
For Ndlovu, Fairtrade certification offers a blueprint for a more equitable future in South African agriculture.
“Our agricultural history in South Africa is complicated and rooted in inequality, but Fairtrade offers a path forward. We’re moving towards living wages and ethical treatment of workers. While certification can be costly initially, the long-term benefits far outweigh the cost.”
She closes with an optimistic outlook on the future of Fairtrade in South Africa.
“I truly believe that Fairtrade certification is the future. It doesn’t just improve the lives of workers – it uplifts entire communities. And I hope that more producers will join us so that we can all benefit and work together towards a more sustainable, fair agricultural sector.”
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