Africa Fairtrade Convention (Business)

23/11/11
Fairtrade (BUSINESS)
Story: Zainab Issah & Zoe Darling

The Minister for Trade and Industry, Ms Hannah Tetteh has expressed the government interest to partner with Fairtrade International to improve the livelihood and standard of living of Ghanaians especially in the agricultural sector.
“Access to markets is still a problem and some producers do not have organised markets and therefore there is a need to work together to help people understand that agriculture is still a very valuable career choice”, she said.
Ms Tetteh said this at the opening ceremony of the Africa Fairtrade Convention in Accra to discuss papers for the benefit of Africa Fairtrade producers.
The Africa Fairtrade Convention is an annual event that provides a platform for African small-scale producers, international traders, policy makers, partner organizations and Fairtrade stakeholders to discuss how better trade conditions can help improve the livelihoods of African farmers and workers.
It also provides the opportunity for African producers to meet Fairtrade buyers and other stakeholders to do business.
The Executive Director of Fairtrade Africa, Mr Michael Nkonu said Agriculture is at the heart of Africa’s economy but lack of access to markets under favourable conditions was a major problem for many producers.
He said  this, coupled with trade liberalisation and underinvestment in agriculture has trapped many local farmers in poverty.
“We need to invest more in our farmers to ensure that they can compete on a level playing field,” he added.
Mr Nkonu urged participants to use the convention as an opportunity to interact, connect and strengthen their network not only to see where they could invest and support producers, but also observe firsthand how their support for Fairtrade will make a change.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Fairtrade International, Mr Rob Cameron said  in order to sustain livelihood and strengthen partnerships in Africa, there was the need to  improve connections between producers and businesses.
He said this would make work across borders easier and more efficient and producers would be able to create more customised businesses and development plans as part of their Fairtrade certification.
 Fairtrade International also has programmes, policies and partnerships which are targeted to enable millions of people to overcome the challenges that keep them locked in poverty and create opportunities for greater impact for those who need it most.
Chairman of Fairtrade Africa Mr Yorokamu Abainenamar, said there was the need to create the awareness and increase solidarity as a movement in improving the livelihood of the producers.
He called,for more participation in the convention in order to discuss ideas on how to impact the lives of people especially in the agricultural sector.
This year’s convention comprises of a General Assembly of all 270 Fairtrade producer organisations in Africa and is attended by more than 100 Fairtrade buyers and stakeholders.