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APAEB

APAEB -Association of Small Farmers of the State of Bahia (district of Valente) is a non-profit organization founded in 1980 with the objective of improving the social and economic development of Brazil's sisal region. It is a poverty-stricken, semi-arid region, and APAEB seeks to improve the quality of life through their different developmental programs.

To achieve their objectives, APAEB advises farmers and artisans of the area on different issues, including farming and the marketing of their products. Their program began with sisal production; they gathered every producer in the region and collected a considerable amount of raw sisal for artisans to commence hand-crafting rugs and carpets.

Such an organization in the region was non-existent before the formation of APAEB (Associação dos Pequenos Agricultores do Município de Valente). Whatever business existed, it employed fewer than 100 people whereas the Association is now able to offer jobs to 811 artisans, who enjoy all the benefits stipulated by law and who fare better economically.

APAEB is now in a position to offer the region other benefits, including the building of a school and cutting down on the drop-out rate; the development of a solar-energy program and a reforestation program. Their economic programs include a rotating fund that promotes loans to small agricultural businesses as well as the credit and financing of agricultural and dairy production. APAEB also set up a community radio station and promotes cultural and academic activities.

APAEB seeks to make people conscious about life in the countryside and about people's creativity. Several national and international organizations have recognized and awarded APAEB for their efforts, including Schwab Foundation (Switzerland), Abrinq, Fundação Getúlio Vargas, SESI, and the Banco do Nordeste. NOVICA is proud to be able to support APAEB's efforts by promoting their products through our web site.