A recently published study finds that Fairtrade flower workers in East Africa experience higher wages, better working conditions, and greater engagement in workers’ rights issues and gender equity than their non-Fairtrade certified counterparts.
The study, titled 'Impact of Fairtrade on flower workers and market access of flower farms in East Africa' examines 11 producer organisations across Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia, including nine Fairtrade certified, and two non-Fairtrade farms, and builds off the inputs of more than 650 workers via survey and focus groups, as well as interviews with farm managers, Fairtrade staff, and other flower industry stakeholders.
Some findings include that 90 percent of workers on Fairtrade certified farms stated improved working conditions since partnering with Fairtrade, 69 percent stated that the partnership had led to higher wages and 88 percent reported that they or their families had personally benefited from the Fairtrade Premium. While there is still a gap to achieve living wages, the study does detail positive impact on Fairtrade flowers and plants.
Read more about the results of the study on Fairtrade UK website or read the whole report.
