Evaluate Fair Trade as a development strategy

Question (10 marks): 'Fair Trade is the most effective way to close the development gap.' To what extent do you agree? Use case-study evidence.

Mark scheme (levels):

• L1 (1–3): basic description of Fair Trade with limited evaluation.
• L2 (4–6): balanced points with some case-study evidence.
• L3 (7–10): sustained evaluation, multiple strategies compared, substantiated judgement using SEEP framework.

Indicative content:

• Agree: Kuapa Kokoo (Ghana, founded 1993) — 100,000 farmer-members; Fair Trade premium of $240/tonne funded 250 wells and schools. Divine Chocolate gives growers a 44% stake.
• Disagree: Fair Trade covers <2% of global cocoa; certification costs exclude poorest farmers; doesn't tackle structural issues like commodity dependency or debt.
• Alternatives: debt relief (Jubilee 2000 cancelled $130 bn); microfinance (Grameen Bank, 9 m borrowers); FDI/TNC investment (Tata in India).
• Judgement: Fair Trade is necessary but insufficient; must combine with debt relief, governance reform and infrastructure investment to deliver SDG 10.