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

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.