Fairtrade Coffee Production in Tanzania

Coffee is one of the most consumed beverages in the world and its consumption is still increasing. The majority of coffee is produced by smallholders from countries of so called "global South". Their livelihoods are influenced by price fluctuations at the world commodity markets. Fairtrade system strives for improving their trade and living conditions. The primary aim of this bachelor thesis is to describe the production of coffee on Fairtrade terms in Tanzania. Main research questions focus on the economic and social impacts of Fairtrade on the livelihoods of smallholders, the process of joining the system and meeting Fairtrade standards. Secondary research questions are the perception of climate change, its impacts on the coffee production and the role of Fairtrade in adapting to these changes. The analysis consists of 12 semi-structured interviews conducted with smallholders from Kagera Cooperative Union (KCU) and Karagwe District Cooperative Union (KDCU) from Lake Victoria region. The results show ambiguous positive impacts. On one hand, better availability of education and medical services, but also different profits from social premium in both unions and criticism of one of the main benefits of Fairtrade - the purchase price, which is too low according to most of the respondents. More..