Synopses & Reviews
The Fair Trade Scandal takes aim at an a consumer movement which many assume to be entirely benign. Through a razor-sharp analysis based on insider knowledge, Ndongo Sylla shows that there is a big gap between the rhetoric of fair trade and its practical results.
Sylla shows empirically that Fair Trade excludes those who need it the most and that its benefits are essentially captured by the wealthiest groups in the supply chain. Based on his experience of working for Fairtrade International Sylla shows the flaws in the Fair Trade system which compromise its ethical mission.
The Fair Trade Scandal is both a provocative and deeply informative exploration of the Fair Trade phenomenon, suitable for specialists and non-specialists alike.
Review
"I can only strongly recommend reading this book to all those who are unsure of whether the initiatives taken in recent years in favour of Fair Trade deserve to be supported or not. Ndongo Samba Sylla has given the answer to this question by conducting an in-depth survey and a critical reading of the literature on the subject which seems comprehensive. The result is, to my knowledge, the best book in this field." - Samir Amin, Third World Forum
About the Author
Ndongo Samba Sylla is a Senegalese Researcher for the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation. He has a PhD in development economics and the coordinator of 'Rediscover Sankara. Freedom martyr'. He has been three times World Champion of French-speaking Scrabble.
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements
List of Acronyms and Abbreviations
Introduction
1. On The Inequalities Of The International Trade System
2. The Fair Trade Universe
3. Controversies Around Fair Trade
4. Redeeming The Free Market As A Solution To Poverty: The Limitations Of The Fair Trade Economic Model
5. Looking For The Global Impact Of Fair Trade
Conclusion
Bibliography
Appendices
Index