Erishama Lunjaya 62 years old, Jewish, joined Peace Kawomera in 2005
Do you feel that there are things you were once deprived of that you think you should have had access to?
We weren’t getting enough access to water, electricity, and roads; basic things we need but didn’t have.
How would many farmers be living now had they not been exposed to the benefits of Fair Trade?
Life has changed in comparison to our conventional (not Fair Trade) counter parts. I am more lively, more healthy. I have access to clean water. Roads have been repaired too.
Should farmers be able to set a price for their coffee?
Given activities involved in production, time, resources, and protecting crops, farmers should be able to decide on a price and have an input.
Fair Trade is supposed to instill stability within the lives of producers. What areas of your life are now more “stable” due to Fair Trade?
Peace Kawomera has developed into a stable organization. Through the development, I can buy my children school uniforms and support their education.
Fairly traded products are not the majority of products that are sold in the United States. Do you think Americans would stop buying UNFAIRLY traded products if they knew more about Fair Trade? Why?
Fair Trade increases quality and aroma of coffee. If people bought Fair Trade coffee they would receive higher quality. Given the mission of Peace Kawomera Cooperative of interfaith, people should buy more to build peace in the country and world.