Jan 26 2012
Fair versus Free Trade as means to promote Economic Development
Fair trade schemes aim to get more of the money we spend on our stuff into the hands of the workers in less developed countries where they originate. Some examples of goods produces in fair trade cooperatives in poor countries include fruits, tea, coffee and cocoa. Some handicrafts and textiles are also available from Fair trade programs as well.
It is estimated that approximately 7.5 million producers in the developing world participate in fair trade programs, producing $5 billion worth of output.
According to the European Fair Trade Association, fair trade is
a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and respect, that seeks greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalized producers and workers – especially in the South.
Fair Trade organisations (backed by consumers) are engaged actively in supporting producers, awareness raising and in campaigning for changes in the rules and practice of conventional international trade”.
Fair trade as a strategy for economic development is controversial, as many argue that either fails at raising the incomes of the farmers it is supposed to serave or that it incentivizes farmers to remain in the low-productivity agricultural sector rather than seeking higher productivity jobs in manufacturing, thereby contributing to poverty in poor countries.
Below are two videos that proclaim the benefits of free trade. After watching the videos, discuss the benefits of fair trade with your class.
On the other side of the issue are several economic arguments against the use of fair trade as a strategy for economic development. First listen to this 19 minute discussion between EconTalk’s Russ Robert’s and Duke University’s Mike Munger over the role that Fair Trade coffee plays in promoting economic development.
Next, read the two articles below a
- The poverty of Fairtrade coffee – Telegraph Blogs
- Fairtrade profits rise, but is the small farmer missing out? – This Britain – UK – The Independent
Discussion Questions:
- Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of Fair Trade programs at promoting economic development.
- Outline the possible advantages of a country specializing in manufactured goods instead of primary products.
- What factors explain the growth in importance of multinational corporations over recent decades? Illustrate your answer where possible by making reference to your own or other countries. Do multinational corporations work in favor of or against the interests of Less Developed Countries?
- To what extent has the international trading system contributed to economic growth and development in less developed countries?
- Discuss the view that increased trade is more important than increased aid for less developed economies.


does the growth of Shenzhen relate to this concept?
not cover this topic and the Lorenz curve is about the closest that my AP student came to learning about income distribution and poverty. This was not an authentic study of or discussion about effective economic development.
designed an apparatus to clean water for drinking as you sip it directly from streams, rivers and lakes. So many inventors spend so much time designing goods and services for the rich that if in this ‘new revolution†were to take hold, the world’s poor might just find ways to make themselves richer.





