ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the convergence of Fair Trade and organic initiatives from a wider perspective of rural development by focusing on plausible tensions between certification-supported farming and other diversified economic activities. It defines the concept of diversification for the present research and proposes a framework for interpreting diversification in real rural settings. The chapter describes the empirical observations of diversification practices underway in the community. It analyzes why and how certification-supported farming coexists with other diversified activities. The focus on the compatibility of diversified activities with certification-supported farming derives from tensions that can occur physically between farming and non-farming livelihoods. The same type of tensions may emerge more apparently between diversified activities and sustainable farming practices that both Fair Trade and organic certification systems demand. The chapter concludes by summarizing the major findings from the case study and suggesting, as policy implications, conditions for the effective use of Fair Trade and organic initiatives with livelihood diversification.
