Document Type
Thesis
Degree
Master of Science (MS)
Major/Program
Environmental Studies
First Advisor's Name
Mahadev Bhat
First Advisor's Committee Title
Committee chair
Second Advisor's Name
David Bray
Second Advisor's Committee Title
Committee member
Third Advisor's Name
Gail Hollander
Third Advisor's Committee Title
committee member
Keywords
coffee, fair trade, organic, sustainable, coca, bolivia, economic, commodity chain
Date of Defense
6-9-2015
Abstract
The purpose of this research is to study the commercialization of Fairtrade and Organic coffee in the Bolivia. Fairtrade and Organic coffee are alternative trade systems designed to promote the equitable and environmentally sustainable production of coffee. However, these alternative trading systems often fail to meet these goals. The producers and environment these systems are intended to protect remain marginalized. These failures are due to a number of local institutions. In order to better understand these institutions, this research conducted interviews of various stakeholders including producers, cooperative leaders, organic/Fair Trade certifiers, government agencies and private buyers. All these stakeholders influence the success of the alternative trade systems. By better understanding how these stakeholders impact the commercialization of coffee in Bolivia; new policies can be develop to improve the outcomes of alternative trade, to benefit both producers and the environment. This is especially critical in Bolivia because of the environmentally sensitive area in which coffee is grown, the potentially damaging impact of coca on the region and, the devastating economic impact to farmers.
Identifier
FIDC000136
Recommended Citation
Estevez, Christopher L., "A Market Study of Organic and Fair Trade Coffee in Bolivia" (2015). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 2012.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/2012
Included in
Agricultural and Resource Economics Commons, Environmental Policy Commons, Environmental Studies Commons, Latin American Studies Commons, Political Economy Commons
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