Fair trade and its role in sustainable development of agri-food system: A systematic literature review

Salim Ashura (), Kowalska Aleksandra () and Manning Louise ()
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Salim Ashura: Doctoral School of Social Sciences, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin, pl. Marii Curie-Skłodowskiej 5, 20-031 Lublin, Poland
Kowalska Aleksandra: Institute of Economics and Finance, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin, pl. Marii Curie-Skłodowskiej 5, 20-031 Lublin, Poland
Manning Louise: The Lincoln Institute of Agri-Food Technology, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, LN6 7TS, United Kingdom

Economics and Business Review, 2025, vol. 11, issue 3, 7-38

Abstract: The ‘fair trade’ movement aims to promote equitable trade relations between developed and developing countries. By guaranteeing producers a fair price, it seeks to improve the livelihoods of farmers and workers in marginalised regions. This review critically explores Fairtrade certification’s impact on the economic, social and environmental sustainability of agri-food systems using PRISMA methodology and SWOT analysis. Key themes emerging from the reviewed papers include sustainable consumption, social equity and women empowerment, and governance in alternative food networks. Most sources focus on consumer behaviour and Fairtrade, concluding that consumer-driven strategies are crucial for systemic change and long-term success. Fairtrade still faces obstacles, including market competition with other certification schemes and the uneven distribution of benefits between producers and supply chain actors. The final retail price is significantly affected by the value added by retailers, contrary to the Fairtrade mission, which can undermine confidence in the system.

Keywords: Fairtrade certification; food trade; sustainability; agriculture; minimum prices; consumption; food governance; social equity; global value chains; PRISMA (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: D63 F13 O13 Q17 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:vrs:ecobur:v:11:y:2025:i:3:p:7-38:n:1006

DOI: 10.18559/ebr.2025.3.2181

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