The No-Nonsense Guide to Fair Trade

No-Nonsense Guides

by David Ransom

Meeting the people who grow our bananas and cocoa and make our clothes, this No-Nonsense Guide to Fair Trade tells the human story behind what we consume. Examin-ing the global contest between “free” and “fair” trade, David Ransom argues that the key question is not whether trade should be regulated or deregulated, but whether it is to be the master or servant of the people. And as fair trade products are being turned into brands by large corporations, a new contest opens—it is no longer just a question of fair versus free, but what kind of fair trade.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the resource I was looking for to truly understand what the fair trade movement is about. The introduction explains how supposed free trade is making people in many global south countries poorer; and clearly illuminates the results of NAFTA on the people of Mexico including farmers and factory workers. The subsequent chapters are in-depth examinations of the trade economics of products including bananas, coffee, cocoa and blue jeans. A must-read for anyone interested in trade justice.

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good, short intro to fair trade.

[Naing Tan · Rating 2 out of 5]

A rather involved book to read. Talks about the fair trade situations in different countries across different commodities. Major learnings included the vast gap between what the firsthand producers earn versus what the consumers pay (as low as 5-10%) and the shocking ~30% tariffs . Huge encouragements to look for fair trade labels when you buy at supermarkets from now on.

[Vivekan Jeyagaran · Rating 3 out of 5]

Concise and targeted.
Covers a lot of ground for the uninitiated.
Manages to link theoretical/conceptual ideas to real lived experiences; ie the abstract world of commodity markets with the realities of grassroots and smallholder cocoa farming among others (I.e. coffee, banana, cotton, etc.)

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

"No-nonsense" is the perfect way to describe this book. It's dense with facts and information about fair trade. For the most part, I felt the information was unbiased. I really enjoyed reading the personal stories behind many material things we often take for granted. Fair trade is a topic close to my heart and this book offers a compelling argument in its favor.

[Cristiane Bonezzi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was curious to learn more about the concept of "fair trade" and this book was very informative. It shows several examples of fair trade initiatives and compares the notion of "free trade" and "fair trade", besides questioning what sort of fair trade we should try to enhance in our society.

[Rosie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've only read the coffee part of this little book, but it was very thorough, informative and unbiased.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trade can provide sustainable livelihoods to communities in the Majority World. This book is full of facts and information about fair trade and the benefits it can bring.

[Ubalstecha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another densely written volume aimed at high schoolers doing research. Really meant for Grade 10 an above. A little dated, given the publishing date of 2001.

[Carinna Tarvin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Felt like I was being lectured to by a completely biased, long-winded old white guy who was very proud of himself for traveling.