To achieve economic development in the South it is of critical importance to strengthen disadvantaged workers and producers by helping them to get access to international markets under fair conditions.

In its collaboration with the Fairtrade Labelling Organization (FLO), SNV is supporting producer organisations in the developing world. Exchange of market information is essential for creating healthy market opportunities. Access to the fair trade market allows small producers the possibility to strengthen their organisation and to improve their economic and social position. In order to operate on the international market, especially in the start-up phase, it is essential to provide support in the form of market knowledge and marketing for the different product organisations. Experts in several countries support producer organisations and work together with SNV advisors in the region.

Results 

• In 2006, 15 experts (liaison officers) were recruited through the partnership. 
• They run projects in 22 countries involving production chains such as coffee, cocoa, honey, cotton, banana, mango, cardamom, cashew nut, sesame and rice.

Presently the partnership is focusing on Africa. There are ongoing activities in Mali (cotton), Burkina Faso (cotton, mango, shea butter), Ghana (pineapples and mango), Rwanda (coffee) and Ethiopia (honey). One of the most successful partnerships is in Rwanda, where seven new coffee cooperatives are targeted for certification.

Interested? Would you like further information? Contact us at: partnerships@snvworld.org

“If we manage to harvest and to pack our fruit, our conditions of negotiation will improve, we will be more independent and this will allow us to improve the situation of our members by providing better services and offering better commercial conditions.” Mr. Valentin Ruiz, President of APPBOSA, Asociación de Productores de Saman y Anexos, one of the four fairtrade certified banana cooperatives in Valle del Chira, Peru.

“I was delighted to hear that we have been FLO Fairtrade certified. I wish to thank all those who worked with us to achieve this distinction.” General manager of Sorwathe, Rwanda.