Mbirago Muhammud 62 years old, Muslim, joined Peace Kawomera in 2008
Do you feel that there are things you were once deprived of that you think you should have had access to?
Everyone should have access to water and roads.
How would many farmers be living now had they not been exposed to the benefits of Fair Trade?
Life would not be good. But now life is good because they are receiving honor based on coffee.
Should farmers be able to set a price for their coffee?
A farmer should have a say because he grows his coffee. Participating in setting a price is good because only the farmer can anticipate future problems for himself and family. He knows what he needs and should be able to have a hand in the process.
Fair Trade is supposed to instill stability within the lives of producers. What areas of your life are now more “stable” due to Fair Trade?
Water is now received. Mosquito nets provide stability in malaria prevention. The cooperative provides the nets. Coffee is no longer sold to middlemen.
Fairly traded products are not the majority of products that are sold in the United States. Do you think Americans would stop buying UNFAIRLY traded products if they knew more about Fair Trade? Why?
Fair Trade relates to quality. So if people want high quality they should buy Fair Trade coffee. People should buy Fair Trade because of the relationships with people.