Artisans & Farmers
SERRV works with thousands of small-scale artisans and farmers in Africa, Asia, Latin America and other developing regions of the world by marketing their handcrafts and agricultural products. Through our work with 75 community-based organizations in 36 countries, we create economic opportunity so these producers can support their families. In addition to purchasing and marketing products, we work with producers to assist them in becoming economically self sufficient through product design, training, information, technical assistance and market access. Learn more about our work with artisans and farmers. View printable artisan stories. To find an artisan or farmer partner, use the menu on the left or select a country below.
 In Gerald Plaismond’s workshop, brightly colored images of tropical Haiti come to life as they are painted onto trays and boxes. The artisans of Jacmel, located on Haiti’s southern coast, are skilled painters and have developed their trade as one way to make a living in a country where the official unemployment rates reach a soaring 54% and over half of the population lives in extreme poverty.
Comite Artisanal Haitian, a non-profit organization that works with underprivileged Haitian artisans to help market their products, began working with Gerald in 1992, and today he sells them 100% of his products. CAH is one of few organizations of its kind in Haiti, and one of the only ones working with artisans outside of the capitol city. One of SERRV’s oldest partners, CAH has been providing needed work to artisans under fair conditions for over 30 years.
When asked about the benefits of working with CAH, Gerald responded, “We’re paid on time, receive an advance, and they place large orders.”
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| “Work means everything. I love this work. Working with olive wood makes me feel good. It’s a special art to make something with meaning.” - Nabil Elias Alyateem - Holy Land Handicraft Cooperative Society, West Bank |
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