Computers to Strengthen Fairtrade Associations
Computer Aid has provided over 500 computers to support the Ecuadorian Fairtrade association APPBG. The association’s members grow and export bananas, including organic bananas, to the highest environmental and social standards. APPBG provides its members with a more favourable position from which to participate in international markets.
El Guabo is home to one of Ecuador’s largest Fairtrade associations. With a membership of over 450 small to medium sized banana producers, APPBG export 50,000 boxes of bananas a week. Producers who sell through APPBG are guaranteed a stable price which covers the cost of production when market prices go down. As a Fairtrade Labeling Organisation (FLO) approved body, APPBG provides an equitable platform from which to trade in international markets. The association also encourages consumers to make ethical considerations when purchasing imported products. FLOs are able to issue the Fairtrade logo, which is now recognized around the world as a guarantee that producers have received a fair price for their goods.
In addition to guaranteed prices for their produce, members also benefit from the association’s social projects. Computer Aid’s donated PCs are being used to strengthen Trade Union activity in a country with limited enforcement of worker’s rights. The computers are also being used to improve day-to-day operations within this fast growing enterprise.
Close to Ecuador’s southern boarder, APPBG has established a network of 17 primary schools for the families of its producers. Indigenous children in these schools are now using PCs donated to Computer Aid providing them with the opportunity to become IT literate.
A producer displays his organic bananas in El Guabo, Ecuador
