What was life like before fairtrade?

Before Fairtrade, many farmers and producers in developing countries faced exploitation and received low prices for their goods, often struggling to meet basic needs. They lacked access to resources, fair wages, and sustainable farming practices, leading to cycles of poverty. The absence of fair trade systems meant that profits were disproportionately skewed towards middlemen and large corporations, leaving producers vulnerable and without support for community development. Overall, life was characterized by economic instability and limited opportunities for growth.