Fair trade is about realizing the vision of sustainable development markets i.e. markets defined by economic trade that embodies environmental, social and institutional sustainability issues.

Fair trade is about valuing people's livelihoods and recognizing their democratic rights thereby transforming trade into a tool for sustainable development rather than a driving force towards poverty, destructive resource use and human abuse. In doing so fair trade, regardless of fair trade group, has established a more or less universally recognized set of criteria for participating fair trade companies, organizations and people. These consist of:

- Payment of fair wages
- Equitable community-invested relationships (long term)
- Responsibility to educate consumers
- Commitment to environmental stewardship
- Facilitate access to resources
- Respect for cultural identity
- Public accountability
- Commitment to democratic - humanitarian principles

Registering with fair trade groups can be difficult and expensive for homestead and community initiatives in Africa. This is despite its noble quest and efforts to link registration fees to initiatives' annual turnover. Several fair trade organizations encourage the development of co-operatives and community associations which obtain fair trade creditation and are a market channel for homestead and individual community groups.