The Big Banana Split

This 30 minute activity looks at who makes the money from the sale of bananas we buy. Three million a year are imported, mainly from Jamaica and the Windward Islands.

What to prepare

You will need a banana, pens and paper and a large copy of the banana picture from the bottom of this page.

How to run it

1. This activity could start with someone eating a banana or some fruit, or after any discussion about shopping and the price of things.
2. Divide into five groups, who are the following:
   a) Growers/pickers who work all year doing everything by hand;
   b) Packing company who pack bananas into boxes and reject damaged bananas;
   c) Shipping company who transport the bananas by sea, which takes about a week;
   d) Importers/wholesalers who arrange for bananas to be shipped and supply the shops who sell the bananas to the public.
   e) Retailers who are the supermarkets, small shops and market stalls, who sell the bananas to the public.
   
3. Look at the banana. It cost 10p. How much of 10p does each group think should be paid to them for their part in the business? They discuss this privately from the other groups.
4. Then each group feeds back their figure. If the total adds up to more than 10p the groups must negotiate until they have reached 10p.
5. Put up the picture of the banana below for all to see.
6. How do the different groups feel? Starting with the pickers. Is it fair?

Adapted from: It’s Not Fair, Christian Aid. (Available to loan from GED)