Résumé |
“One country where coffee takes a particular importance is in Rwanda, a land-locked country in Sub-Saharan Africa. Historical evidence suggests that colonization centered on gaining access to the rents produced by the coffee agricultural sector which deepened Rwandan economic and social divides. Following the 1992 Rwandan Genocide, the national coffee industry was restructured to transition to premium Fair Trade grade coffee. While these certifications may make consumers feel positively about their consumption, the economic impact of Fair Trade on coffee producer livelihood has been disputed. In this paper, I will analyze the history of the Rwandan coffee industry, examine the extent to which Fair Trade has impacted Rwandan coffee producers, and provide insight to alternative economic explanations for decreasing poverty levels.”
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