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The Coffee Chain Game

Secondary, Middle

Description

This activity illustrates the many steps in the coffee chain and the unequal distribution of profits that has resulted in coffee farmers being treated so unfairly. Using a game format students are assigned to teams. Each team takes on the role of one the groups involved in bringing a jar of instant coffee from the bush to the breakfast table. Role cards provide players with a description of the work done by the group that his/her team is representing. Groups include coffee farmers, exporters, shipping companies, roasters and retailers . Using this information each team must determine what their fair share of the price of the instant coffee jar should be. As all of the groups attempt to reach consensus on a fair division of proceeds from the sale of the coffee, students are able to explore a current and complex global issue from many different viewpoints.

In addition to the game cards, the resource also includes a coffee quiz, coffee chain puzzle and two case studies to provide further background and to help promote discussion of the economic, social and ethical dimensions surrounding this issue. Some suggestions on ways that students can take action to promote fair trade practices are provided.

To order this resource, please visit: http://publications.oxfam.org.uk/oxfam/display.asp?K=9781870727648

 

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