Oxfam Fair Trade Norma del Carmen Lobo holds up a bowl of unskinned cashew nuts. International trade flows have tripled in the last twenty years, but the benefits of this trade are unequally shared. Free trade' is supposedly in the interests of increased competition, but when multinational companies are able to benefit from subsidies and protections denied to small economies this competition is unfair.
Trade is a powerful engine of economic growth, however, it can also fuel massive inequalities.
Changing trade patterns and ways of trading can be a cause of poverty, and also a possible solution. Through trading, campaigning and working with producers, Oxfam aims to enable poor producers to take part in trade and overcome the significant hurdles they face. Oxfam Fair Trade works with, and imports products from over 160 producers in 30 countries. A team of 9 Programme Co-ordinators, based around the globe, works directly with producers helping them to develop their businesses and product ranges, access new markets, and strengthen their voice and bargaining power. A real difference By supporting their livelihoods and helping them to developing new skills we aim to make a real difference to producers' standard of living and self esteem.