Sustainability and Fairtrade Success of Smallholder Farmers in Brazil and Mexico:  A Comparative Analysis of Policy

Tellinger, Brooke

Undergraduate Honors Thesis

Sustainability and Fairtrade Success of Smallholder Farmers in Brazil and Mexico: A Comparative Analysis of Policy Public Deposited

Analytics

Citations

Citeable URL: https://scholar.colorado.edu/concern/undergraduate_honors_theses/cj82k9079

Alternative Title

Policies on Fairtrade and Smallholder Farmer Sustainability Success in Brazil and Mexico

Abstract

Smallholder farming plays a vital role in rural development and rural food security while Fairtrade has become an important strategy in improving smallholder producers' livelihoods. Smallholder farmers' engagement in sustainable practices has a significant impact on the environment as well as global commerce. For this thesis and throughout my research, I construct a qualitative, comparative analysis that examines the policies and initiatives that support sustainability efforts and Fairtrade among smallholder farmers in both Brazil and Mexico. The purpose of this paper is to analyze whether these existing policies and initiatives have been successful and effective in supporting sustainability among smallholder farmers in these two countries and then to propose recommendations for improvement. The literature analysis and findings will provide helpful insight for Fairtrade organizations, consumers, policymakers, and other researchers who are working toward an environmentally-friendly and socially-just global food production system. Results of the analysis indicate Fairtrade initiatives are not as successful as other agricultural policies in the countries due to a lack of government enforcement and to limited generated income for farmers. Consequently, smallholder farmers suffer from a restricted number of resources, which leads to economic poverty and hinders success. Findings also showed that although Brazil has more programs and policies currently in place to increase Fairtrade certifications than Mexico, investments are not reaching smallholder farmers as intended. The final sections of this paper will include a discussion about limitations and avenues for future research along with policy recommendations and overall conclusions.

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