Transforming West African Farming: Fairtrade Fonio in UK Beer

Brewgooder, a UK-based ethical brewer, has established the world’s first Fairtrade-certified supply chain for fonio, a resilient grain sourced from Guinea. This initiative aims to transform the farming landscape in West Africa by linking local farmers directly to the UK beer market. The project is designed to support smallholder farmers, providing them with opportunities for shared prosperity and improved livelihoods. The cooperative nature of farming in the Foutah Jallon region suggests that hundreds of farmers and their families could benefit from this initiative in the coming years. Historically, fonio farmers in Guinea have faced numerous challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, limited market access, and financial constraints. Poor road networks and storage facilities have led to significant post-harvest losses, making it difficult for farmers to transport and preserve their produce. Brewgooder’s plans to support local cooperatives are seen as critical to overcoming these barriers and enhancing the viability of fonio farming in the region. The open grain initiative allows other breweries worldwide to access this supply chain, promoting the use of fonio in brewing beyond the UK. This collaborative approach is expected to amplify the positive impact on farming communities in Guinea and potentially neighboring regions as knowledge and practices spread. As the demand for ethical and sustainable products grows, the success of this Fairtrade arrangement could pave the way for further investment in the fonio sector, ultimately transforming the fortunes of farmers and contributing to regenerative agriculture in water-scarce regions.