Martha Munsonza Holman runs a not-for-profit organisation, called Love Zimbabwe, which imports African craft goods, ceramics, batiks, wooden carvings and traditional skin drums.

Based in Abergavenny, it aims to empower people in Zimbabwe to become self-sufficient.

At a fairtrade food and wine tasting evening, Martha described the impact fairtrade is having on the world's poorest producers.

"Love Zimbabwe came out of my experience teaching in the Kotwa district of the country," said Martha.

"The school had no electricity, no tables and chairs, and the villagers had to rely on salty water to drink.

"The children came to school with no shoes or uniform and frequently fainted during the day due to a lack of basic nutrition.

"Love Zimbabwe was formed in response to the poverty in this village and many others.

"We aim to create employment in rural areas by encouraging people to make competitive crafts that we sell for a fair price throughout the world."

Martha and her husband, David Holman, recently returned from six weeks in Zimbabwe, visiting their producers as well as Martha's two sons, Taurai, 18 and Tafadzwa, 16.

Martha added: "It's heartbreaking to see the plight of Zimbabwe caused by the political situation at the moment.

"There's no power, the water is off, and the black market in thriving."

More than 60 people heard Martha describe life in Zimbabwe and sampled a range of dishes, all made with fairtrade ingredients and washed down with ethic wines and organic fruit juices.

The evening was organised by the Llangollen Fairtrade Coalition and celebrated the town's new fairtrade status.

"Fairtrade is about guaranteeing a fair price for producers in developing countries so we were delighted by the number of people coming along to show their support for this movement," said event organiser, the Rev Andrew Sully, vicar of Llangollen.

"We also showcased local produce too to ensure our local farmers and suppliers aren't forgotten."

Further information about Love Zimbabwe can be found at www.lovezimbabwe.co.uk