In June 2021, Fairtrade launched a documentary series highlighting how three farmers in different countries (Peru, Kenya and Indonesia) coped with the global uncertainties of the time, including the impacts of climate change and the Covid-19 pandemic. Over a six-month period, audiences were given a glimpse into the farmers’ daily lives, and the challenges they and their communities were facing, including gender equality and uncertainty of a new generation of farmers.
Farmers was an unscripted documentary, meaning the stories evolved at the same time as the lives of the protagonists. They were released in three installments, in June, September and November 2021.
The series was filmed in three locations: Indonesia, Peru and Kenya, offering a glimpse into how this global crisis has affected communities in diverse corners. Young local filmmakers with links to social activism were the film-makers, bringing the farmers’ stories to life embedded in their cultural context and with an authentic voice.
In Peru, we followed the life of Roberto, a banana farmer from the Fairtrade certified APBOSMAM cooperative, who is also a local radio host and restaurant owner. Above all, he is a pillar of strength to his community, despite contracting COVID-19 himself, and having to be quarantined. In a region heavily hit by the pandemic, his resilience is needed more than ever.
“We all need to make time for society. People need us,” says Roberto referring to the importance of communities.
Ponisih, Coconut farmer from KSP Karmatera
In Indonesia, we follow the life of Ponisih, a coconut sugar farmer from the Fairtrade certified KSP Karmatera cooperative. As a woman who defies the traditional place of women in the cooperative, she highlights the difference of those hit by COVID-19 in the city versus in rural farms. The challenges of securing the next generation of famers hits home, as her own family worries who will carry on their livelihood tradition.
The third story covers Caroline in Kenya, a coffee farmer and member of the Kapkiyai cooperative. Being part of a society that places high expectations on women being mothers yet not being one herself, Caroline is part of her cooperative’s women’s initiative where she finds strong support and purpose.
To watch all of these documentaries go to: https://farmers-documentary.fairtrade.net/