SI AnnRev2021 web - Flipbook - Page 27
SHARED INTEREST SOCIETY ANNUAL REVIEW 2021 27
LOOKING FORWARD
This year has brought more stories
of resilience and fortitude from the
communities we support. Sadly, some
regions will continue to endure the deeper
impact of the pandemic, experiencing
severe setbacks in poverty levels and an
economic recovery that may take several
years. However, it is the effect of climate
change that takes urgent precedence. The
Fairtrade Foundation states: ‘The climate
emergency remains the biggest threat to the
livelihoods of millions of small-scale farmers
and workers in low-income countries across
the world.’
The hurricanes in Central America,
landslides and flash floods in Asia, and the
devastating locust attack in East Africa all
remind us that extreme weather poses an
increasing threat to rural communities. These
issues are compounded when businesses
do not have access to affordable finance,
which enables them to plan ahead, and
respond quickly and effectively to challenges
faced. We know that financial support is also
crucial in helping farmers and artisans to
increase their production, bringing a higher
amount of Fairtrade Premium.