According to Oxfam, 128 million people would be lifted out of poverty if Africa, East Asia, South Asia and Latin America each increased their share of world exports by one per cent. Yet the tariff barriers they face when they export to the West are four times higher than those encountered by rich countries.

According to Oxfam, 128 million people would be lifted out of poverty if Africa, East Asia, South Asia and Latin America each increased their share of world exports by one per cent. Yet the tariff barriers they face when they export to the West are four times higher than those encountered by rich countries. These barriers cost developing countries twice as much each year as they receive in aid.

There is, of course, a link between institutional and personal greed. If enough voters in the West demanded that governments be more generous to the world’s needy, the politicians would listen. If enough share holders in international conglomerates demanded change, boards would respond.

A whole new climate of public opinion will be needed to shift the way we do business globally. And, on the individual level, we each have an internal Midas to confront.

There is a long way to go. But there is at least one area where the individual can make a difference. Fair trade products offer Western consumers the chance to offer a fair deal to small farmers in developing nations - and to empower them to improve their lot.

Kenneth Noble, Associate Editor, For A Change magazine

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© Caux Initiatives for Business, 2003