Low wages persist in the banana sector, and workers struggle to make a decent living. Even in contexts of certified value chains, workers can experience a gap between their earnings and living wage benchmarks. In 2023, Fairtrade International launched three mechanisms to contribute to closing living wage gaps for banana workers (see page 3 for details). In addition, the Fairtrade Minimum Price and Fairtrade Premium benefit both farmers and workers. Together, these tools aim to increase incomes for banana producers and workers in certified value chains. The new Living Wage tools have the potential to benefit over 29,782 workers across 165 Fairtrade Banana Plantations.

This case study series explores how value chain actors can advance equitable outcomes for small-scale producers. Each study describes how different value chain actors implement the principles of equity (distributional, procedural and recognitional) through innovative approaches, strategies and methodologies. The case studies showcase successful approaches to advance understanding of equity, and to inform and inspire the work of ISEAL members and their partners.