Handicrafts in Tunisia
The handicrafts sector has rich and diverse meanings for the world. In effect, handicrafts are one of the most dynamic sectors of Tunisia's economy and one of the oldest and best distributed professional activities across the country.
The potential of the craft sector, which is characterized by specific know-how, plays a strategic role in the growth and development of the Tunisian economy.
Why Fairtrade?
Fairtrade provides more comprehensive support to producers and producer organizations.
More precisely, fair trade is based on an organization of trade aimed at balancing the producer/consumer relationship between developed and developing countries. The consumer buys the product at a price guaranteeing the producer a fair remuneration for his work, within a social and environmental framework thus better preserved.
So, Fairtrade was born from the desire to readjust the game of
international trade, which puts strong pressure on small producers and artisans in developing countries. Its objective is to change
production and consumption patterns to ensure them a better-paid job, under better conditions.
Fairtrade channels create many local jobs to improve or diversify local productions. The traceability and transparency of the sales channels reassure small producers who are sure of being able to sell their harvest or production.
They can be sure that they are paid regularly and that they can provide for their families. Fairtrade allows consumers to access quality organic products while respecting the environment and through a fair distribution of wealth.
The concept is attractive to producers and consumers who feel they are doing something for the planet and helping the most disadvantaged.
In addition to that, the principle of fair trade is to offer local producers more equitable trade exchanges, by setting a "fair" price for their products, while working in favor of sustainable development and the protection of the environment.
The specificity of fair trade crafts is that it often concerns marginalized populations in their countries, for whom fair trade represents the only source of income.
Fairtrade offers a wide range of products: clothing, jewelry, tableware, decorative objects, musical instruments, etc. These are made from local materials and components (leather, terracotta, wood, cotton...).
Fairtrade crafts also offer food products: chocolate, coffee, tea, honey, etc. Food products were historically the first kind of products that were sold as Fairtrade.
The sustainable development movement
Today, fair trade tends to claim its membership in the sustainable development movement. This movement is based on three fundamental dimensions: justice and social development, environmental protection, efficiency, and economic rationality. It is necessary to examine the position of fair trade on these different aspects.
Fairtrade enables consumers to demand a better deal for those that produce our handicrafts. Through choosing Fair Trade consumers can demand the highest standards from business and government, ensuring people and the planet are not exploited to create the products we enjoy.
Fair trade helps businesses like yours source products that are ethically and sustainably produced while giving consumers confidence that the people behind the products they buy get a fair deal for their hard work.
