Food Production T HIS A C T IV IT Y O FFER S an introduction to trade
issues, using fruits as an example of the way that world trade sometimes works to the disadvantage of poor producers.
MAT ERIALS N EEDED
TIME REQUIRED: 30 MINUTES | INTENDED FOR GRADES 6-8
1
» Two sheets of newsprint and markers » Six pens or pencils » Six sheets of blank paper » Six pieces of fruit » One roll of tape
Activity Steps BEGIN BY OFFERING THE FOLLOWING KEY POINTS:
» Trade can be expressed as selling our goods to a group of people and buying some of their goods in return. People have always traded. Can you imagine trying to grow or make everything you need? People need to buy and import goods they can’t produce themselves. Trade is essential to reduce poverty, but how can it be used to serve both the poor and the rich? » Global trade has expanded enormously in the last 50 years, and countries like the United States have more wealth and technology than ever before. However, many poorer developing countries are not getting these benefits. The global rules that govern how countries trade often benefit rich countries at the expense of poorer ones. » “Free” trade isn’t always the best way for developing countries to improve their economies and help people out of poverty. For example, when markets in poor countries are flooded with subsidized agricultural products from overseas, the prices PA G E 1 O F 4
for these goods in poor countries can drop, destroying the livelihood of farmers.
2 3 4 5 6
» The problem is not with trade itself but with some of the inequalities and hardships created by global trade rules. » This activity will help us explore the issue of global trade and its impact on the poor.
D I V I D E T H E PA RT I C I PA N T S I N T O S I X G R O U P S of equal number. Assign each
group one of the following names: » Pickers and growers » Retailers » Wholesalers » Importing company » Shipping company » Packaging company
P R O V I D E E A C H G R O U P with a sheet of blank paper and a pen or pencil. Give the six
pieces of fruit to the pickers and growers group. Then tell all the participants that each piece of fruit costs 10 cents.
A S K T H E G R O U P S T O D E T E R M I N E their shares (expressed as percentages) of the
final fruit price. This figure will depend on the labor and other costs the group believes it must meet.
A F T E R F I V E M I N U T E S , invite each group to present its case. Write the percentages on
the newsprint. Add the percentages. If the total comes to more than 100 percent, explain that the price of the fruit will have to be more than 10 cents. Tell the groups that in order to keep the price of each piece of fruit at 10 cents, they must negotiate their percentages with one another until the total is 100 percent.
N E X T, O N A S H E E T O F N E W S P R I N T depict the actual situation using the
following figures: » Retailers: three and a half cents » Wholesalers: one and a half cents » Importing company: one cent » Shipping company: one and a half cents » Packing company: one and a half cents » Pickers and growers: one cent
PA G E 2 O F 4
Then engage the participants in a large-group discussion using the following questions:
7
» How do the pickers/growers feel? » What do you believe would be the fairest division of the price? » How could the pickers/growers get a better percentage? A S K E A C H G R O U P to actually take their share from the fruit in possession of the
pickers and growers group. Conclude by brainstorming with the participants how they can work toward making a difference on the issue of trade. Offer the following ideas as examples:
» Write letters or send e-mails asking questions of companies who make ethical claims about their products. You may feel your single letter or e-mail is irrelevant, but large companies do want to listen to their customers. The more people that make the same comment or ask the same question, the more effective the company’s claims are likely to be. » Check and choose. You may not be able to afford, or may not have the choice, to shop ethically, but do use some of the fair trade options available and try to increase your awareness of where the things you consume began their journey to your home. Your supermarket will stock fair-trade goods only if enough people purchase them. » Organize a fundraiser, perhaps selling fair-trade products, and donate the proceeds to World Vision or to another organization that does work to address trade justice.
(This activity is adapted from Susan Fountain. Education for Development: A Teacher’s Resource for Global Learning, London, England: Hodder and Stoughton Publishing, 1995. © 1995 by Hodder and Stoughton Publishing. All rights reserved. Used with permission.)
Permission to reproduce is granted. © 2011 World Vision, Inc.
PA G E 3 O F 4
About World Vision W O R L D V IS IO N is a Christian humanitarian organization
dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. Motivated by our faith in Jesus Christ, World Vision serves alongside the poor and oppressed as a demonstration of God’s unconditional love for all people. We see a world where each child experiences “fullness of life” as described in John 10:10. And we know this can be achieved only by addressing the problems of poverty and injustice in a holistic way. That’s how World Vision is unique: We bring 60 years of experience in three key areas needed to help children and families thrive: emergency relief, long-term development, and advocacy. And we bring all of our skills across many areas of expertise to each community we work in, enabling us to care for children’s physical, social, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Partnering with World Vision provides tangible ways to honor God and put faith into action. By working, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of children and families who are struggling to overcome poverty. To find out more about how you can help, visit www.worldvision.org.
About World Vision Resources E NDING GL O B A L PO V ERT Y and injustice begins with education:
understanding the magnitude and causes of poverty, its impact on human dignity, and our connection to those in need around the world. World Vision Resources is the publishing ministry of World Vision. World Vision Resources educates Christians about global poverty, inspires them to respond, and equips them with innovative resources to make a difference in the world.
For more information about our resources, contact: World Vision Resources Mail Stop 321 P.O. Box 9716 Federal Way, WA 98063-9716 Fax: 253-815-3340 wvresources@worldvision.org www.worldvisionresources.com
PA G E 4 O F 4