Customer Reviews

Fair Trade: A Beginner's Guide (Beginners Guide (Oneworld))

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If you're looking for a cut-and-dry approach to fair trade, this is not the book for you. I was looking for something that really got into the functional side of fair trade business relationships, and was disappointed to see the author took the typical, tired, aid-focused approach. I firmly believe that artisans and agriculturalists in developing countries have a lot to offer in trade, and if we approach relationships with a win-win mentality, progress and development will follow. The author seems to believe the developed world needs to engage in these relationships as a form of assistance - I disagree 100%. Until we start to recognize the TRUE VALUE of products and services from developing countries, we will be trapped in a cycle of aid and handouts.

In a direct style, the author presents us a lot of information and references as well as her impressive personal experience in Fair Trade, backed by a thorough research.

The title can be misleading: it is not only for beginners, as all Fair Trade followers can benefit from reading it. Jackie tells us how she has met with many relevant persons along the years, around the world and encourages us to keep working for a Fair Trade.

Jackie's book is not just about the mechanics of fair trade and the numbers. Fair trade is about people. It is the story of how a fair wage and the ability to compete in a global economy make us all better.
This book is a fast, and easy way to learn about fair trade but it will start you on a life long journey to make yourself a better consumer and a better member of the earth's family.

Required for a grad school class but it quickly became one of my favorites, and I reference it often.

This book provides a basic introduction to the Fair Trade movement. The book briefly discusses its origins, its history to the present, and its efforts to provide an alternative to free trade that seeks to address social and other non-economic aspects of the production and distribution of goods. The book also identifies some of the differences of opinion within the Fair Trade movement itself, but does not try to resolve those differences of opinion.

According to the book, the author has been a participant in the Fair Trade movement for several years. That experience is reflected in the sympathetic approach the author takes toward the Fair Trade movement. Although the author provides a helpful introduction to the basic concepts and principles of the Fair Trade movement, she does not engage in any detailed or probing analysis of those concepts and principles. Anyone looking for a rigorous analysis of the pros and cons of Fair Trade will not find it in this book.

This book is written for the general public and does not assume the reader has any particular training or experience in economics, business ventures, or trade. The book does not provide any detailed advice or guidance for people interested in participating in the Fair Trade movement, so a reader seeking such detailed advice or guidance should look elsewhere. The book includes an Appendix with the names and brief descriptions of various Fair Trade groups and organizations and a recommended reading list.

Excellently written story of the Fair Trade movement. Those of us who believe in fair trading will appreciate and enjoy.