What is Fairtrade Fortnight?

Fairtrade Fortnight is two weeks of awareness and celebration of the farmers and workers who grow the world's food and the promotion of fair trade. Thousands of UK social activists discuss the stories of economically exploited workers in the food, beverage, and natural resource industries. These farmers are often overworked, underpaid, and used to fulfil western consumerism. The festival is a collection of seminars and events revolving around the Fairtrade movement, first-hand accounts, and fun food recipes from around the globe. Fairtrade sets social, economic and environmental standards for the companies and farmers involved in the supply chain. For farmers and workers, the standards include the protection of workers’ rights and the environment. 

We attended one of their virtual events and here is a summary of the interesting facts we learnt about the cocoa industry as well as climate change an its impact on the agriculture industry:

Cocoa Farming in Western Africa

Over the past two decades, the cocoa industry on the west coast of Africa has suffered significant setbacks and adverse challenges. With over 70% of the world’s cocoa supplies being produced by small farms in West Africa, it is an essential industry to the world’s economy. However, this crucial trade is in danger for several reasons. The current farmers of cocoa trees are coming to retirement age, and no new generations have learned the trade in several decades. With no one to take over these farming skills, the industry is in grave danger. Climate change is the other key variable affecting cocoa farms in West Africa. Rising temperatures and increased sunlight exposure are increasing cocoa trees’ vulnerability to pests and diseases, as well as affecting their lifespan. 

The Shared Interest Foundation (SIF) has begun to address these problems directly to save the farmers' cocoa plantations. SIF began recruiting young adults in 2018 to become the next generation of instrumental cocoa farmers. In Ghana, fifty of these individuals were invited to a summer-long education camp to learn the intricacies of cocoa farming, agro-farming techniques, and general business skills to jumpstart their agricultural careers. 

These young adults were also gifted new farming equipment and genetically altered cocoa seeds (to resist disease and pests) to plant in their home villages. They were also given banana trees to grow alongside cocoa trees because they grow symbiotically. The banana tree’s broad leaves help provide shade for the cocoa to thrive in such high temperatures and sunlight. With the tools provided by SIF, young Ghanaian adults will hopefully be well placed to become the next generation of cocoa farmers.

Climate Change in Eastern Africa 

East Africa is no stranger to extreme climate and unpredictable weather patterns. Due to the impact of climate change, there is an increased prevalence of plant pests which pose an increasing threat to food security and the environment. There are more vector and waterborne diseases affecting animals, crops and people. These changes in crop productivity result in fluctuating prices. 

Coffee production, a major industry in East Africa, has suffered heavy setbacks due to climate change. The harvest season has changed, resulting in reduced production and therefore exponentially higher prices for coffee. The Southern Province has also become increasingly dry over the past two decades. If this trend continues, production will drop by 50% in the next few years. Farmer mobilisation and training are possible solutions to combat this problem. Climate-smart practices such as using shade trees to cover small plants and crop diversification are innovative ways to solve these problems. 

How can we help with cocoa farming and climate change?

Non-profit organisations such as the Shared Interest Foundation constantly need donations and volunteers to help with their cause. The Fairtrade Fortnight Festival is one of the key events that help bring in gifts and help shine a light on the Fairtrade movement to consumers. You can visit the Shared Interest Foundation website to contribute to their cause.