Mitigating risks at farm and community level, the Covid-19 Fairtrade Emergency Initiative

Contributed photo
Contributed photo

THE Covid-19 Fairtrade Emergency Initiative, funded by the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), helps raise awareness among the farmers and their families in Davao and Negros region in the Philippines.

The first case of Covid-19 infection in the Philippines was reported in January 2020, and by March, the country was placed under strict community quarantine, that restricted mobility and business activities. While these measures have slowed the spread of Covid-19, it has resulted in significant adverse impacts on family incomes, jobs, education of children, food security, and businesses.

Some of the challenges faced by the Fairtrade producers in the region are increased cost of production and decline of sales due to the closing down of shipping ports, travel restrictions and limited work force along with the concerns of health and safety of farmer members and their families. With the support from the Fairtrade Premium and the Fairtrade Relief Fund, several Covid-19 precautionary and preventive measures have been undertaken by the producers to mitigate the risk at the farm and community level.

In October 2020, Fairtrade entered into a partnership with GIZ, German Agency for International Cooperation, for providing direct support to producers on the frontline of the pandemic. This Project is funded by the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The Covid-19 Fairtrade Emergency Initiative funded by the BMZ and supported by GIZ is being implemented in 05 countries in Asia: Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Vietnam. The Project will benefit approximately 46147 beneficiaries.

In the Philippines, food pack, gender-related, safety and awareness materials have been distributed to 700 farmers to contribute to mitigating violence against women and children. Covid-19 educational booklets in the local language were distributed to 2500 children and students belonging to eight small-scale producer organizations in Davao and Negros region.

Fairtrade International (“Fairtrade”) is an alternative approach to conventional trade and is based on a partnership between producers and consumers. Fairtrade offers producers a better deal and improved terms of trade. This allows them the opportunity to improve their lives and plan for their future. Fairtrade offers consumers a powerful way to reduce poverty through their everyday shopping.

To learn more about our programs and services, you may visit us at www.fairtrade.net. (PR)

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