New Fair Trade cooperation

In cooperation with “House by the Sea” a Danish Fair Trade import company, MS-Zimbabwe and MS-partners have initiated a cooperation aiming to sell products to Danish as well as Scandinavian Fair Trade shops and indoor decoration shops.

By Alice Jul Jørgensen

20. February 2007

MS-Zimbabwe is now involved in creation of a Fair Trade export market in Denmark that can strengthen partners self-funding opportunities. This goes hand in hand with awareness raising on the work of MS-Zimbabwe and its partners. The aim is to reach a broader public in Denmark with quality products and inspiring development stories.

Initially in April 2006, the partner Binga Craft Centre and ex. partner Mtwakazi Art Centre in Bulawayo have been certified through the Danish Fair Trade Association as Fair Trade producers. Their craft products, especially the Binga Baskets and paintings and graphics are now competing with products from all over the world in Fair Trade shops and in indoor decoration shops in Denmark.

The partner’s products have been selected carefully by the Fair Trade importer for the market in Denmark. The products have to be top quality and its originality unquestionable. The partners have been through the Fair Trade certification procedures with interview and questions about working conditions and payment for the producers and environmental impact of the product making etc.

Later in 2006 other partners were approached in connection with Fair Trade. The BaTonga Museum and Basiliwizi Trust was contacted regarding a common awareness raising initiative with Binga Craft Centre. The general idea is to sell the beautiful Binga Baskets with information material raising awareness about the Batonga people – their history, culture and present minority challenges.

Environment Africa in Victoria Falls was also approached October 2006. They have an urban and rural program for local craft producers and a furniture certification project, which link up with the Fair Trade principles. We will start by testing the soap and oils on the Danish Fair Trade market and gradually enhance the local craft production as environmental friendly as possible following the Fair Trade principles and to the taste of the Danish market. Fair Trade certified furniture production and wood carvings are very rare from Africa so it has good prospects for export.

The awareness raising on different levels are a very important part of the initiative.

The products are sold with information about the producers living conditions and culture. Product labels follow the goods and in the shops will come information material about MS-Zimbabwe and its partners, as customers have asked for further information about the development work done in Zimbabwe. The actual information will be linked up to and refer to global Fair Trade.

Fair Trade is more than just trading: it proves that greater justice in world trade is possible. It highlights the need for change in the rules and practice of conventional trade and shows how a successful business can also put people first.

What is Fair Trade?

Fair Trade is a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and respect that seek greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalized producers and workers – especially in the South. Fair Trade organizations have a clear commitment to Fair Trade as the principal core of their mission. They, backed by consumers, are engaged actively in supporting producers, awareness raising and in campaigning for changes in the rules and practice of conventional international trade. They can be recognised by the FTO Mark.

“House by the Sea:”

“House by the Sea” is Fair Trade importer, importing a wide range of products from Southern Africa. Such as pottery, sandblasted recycled glass, textiles, ilala palm baskets, graphics and paintings and Shona sculptures. They are beautiful, contempory, hand crafted products which reflect the strength of African colour and design. The products are distributed to 15 shops all over Denmark and just starting in Norway.

We have a unique corporation with MS-Zimbabwe and its partners which allows us to work directly with artists, cooperatives and local artisans in isolated rural areas.