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Video stories from people in the developing world living with the effects of trade inequality Jump to the videos

 Trade

Every country needs trade – it drives the global economy. But the rules are rigged against poorer countries. The IMF and the World Bank have a lot of influence over developing countries’ trade policies. They lend money to poorer countries on condition that they introduce “free trade” economic policies. The idea is that these policies will help the poorer countries repay the loans. But too often the results are increased poverty and vulnerability.

Trade facts

• Half the world lives on less than $2 a day
• Unfair trade rules cost developing countries $700 billion in lost income each year 
• While governments in countries like Honduras and Senegal are forced to cut subsidies to farmers, the average European Union cow is subsidised at $800 per year
• Countries like Ghana have experienced “dumping” where farmers from rich countries flood their markets with cheap imports such as rice, tomatoes and chickens pushing prices even lower
• Rich countries protect their own textile industries with high taxes on imports from poorer countries

Trade videos

 

Promised land
Adalton Santiago Binas: Brazil
With help from Brazil’s Landless Workers’ Movement, Adalton now has a home and some land to farm

Capoeira master
João Kanoa: Brazil
An accident ten years ago left João blind, but that hasn’t stopped him performing and teaching capoeira

Walls that speak
Diego Armando Flores: Bolivia
Diego doesn’t paint a pretty picture of Bolivian life under the free market

Maxima's pipe dream
Maxima Cari: Bolivia
Privatisation of Bolivia’s water supply has left Maxima high and dry

White stuff at the right price
Abrahim Mamani: Bolivia
With a family of eight to support, Abrahim wants a fair price for his milk

The hardest harvest
David Batista Felix: Dominican republic
Sugar isn’t sweet when you cut cane all day long: David scrapes a living for his family in the fields

The house of her dreams
Bulelwa Benya : South Africa
Bulelwa’s home is no castle, but she’s building better prospects with a saw and a lathe

Big city, high hopes
Nomvuyo Victress: South Africa
Nomvuyo wants her children to have the opportunities she never had.

A stitch in time
Nassa Sylvain: Burkina Faso
When the rains fail Nassa dusts down his old sewing machine

Hooked on fishing
Pash McKenzie: Trinidad & Tobago
There’s nowhere Pash would rather be than on his boat fishing

Tango dreams
Carlos Piñeiro: Argentina
Tango offers Carlos an escape from his worries