How does fair trade affect farmers’ food security? A review of empirical studies

Fair trade organisations claim to make a positive contribution to the sustainable livelihoods of smallholders. Few studies have explored its impact on food security (FS). This paper highlights the instruments, pathways involved and the conditions required to improve FS through fair trade. Our analysis reveals that the regulation of sales conditions may improve FS. However, some pathways remain uncertain due to individual and contextual factors that could offset the benefits.