Le filiere del "comercio justo" e la cooperazione fra produttori in America Latina: il caso dell'artigianato

The ethical nature of international relationships has long been measured by the analysis of the value distribution within the supply chain from producer to consumer. This contribution moves from the assumption that ethics could be measured through the capability of building relationships which generate more value; these relationships are consequently able to foster an autonomous development based on human capital enhancement and on the respect for local cultures. The case of Peruvian handicrafts has been deeply analyzed during a research project funded by the Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research (MIUR), whose results are nevertheless extendable to a more general context. In the first part, traditional supply chains in international handicrafts trade are described. The value creation is very limited, in spite of undoubted strengths (local culture, high quality of workforce and raw materials, effective experiences of cooperation between artisanal firms); this is the effect of important weaknesses (related to workforce productivity, technology and quality), which reflect the strategic and managerial limitations of artisanal firms and their associations. In this context, an active movement has developed, which is strongly linked to fair trade experiences. Although not very widespread yet, it has represented and interesting way to achieve product and market diversification. New alternative supply chains have born, which are much more articulated and which tend to create more value in the country of origin. Furthermore, other interesting initiatives have begun to develop in the country, such as those related to corporate social responsibility and to some cases of artisanal clusters.