Serendipalm is a commercial operation whose activities also have a significant positive impact on the environment, its employees and the surrounding rural communities. One element of this vision is the implementation of fair trade projects in our host communities. To finance these, every invoice issued to our palm oil customers includes a fair trade premium. It corresponds to about 10% of the pro-rata costs of the palm fruit and wages and currently generates an annual contribution of $85,000 to a Fair Trade Fund which is managed by a committee of farmers, employees, and Serendipalm management. Additional donations from Dr. Bronner’s and a crowdfunding campaign have paid for other projects. Serendipalm’s employees coordinate project implementation, such as construction, to ensure that the premium is used meaningfully and efficiently. Some smaller projects, such as painting schools, or repairing streetlamps and badly damaged roads, are implemented in conjunction with local youth groups. What we have learned over the years is that the fair trade premiums and projects not only remedy structural problems but also encourage the spirit and practice of cooperation. We see this as an important element of humanitarian rural development in Ghana and elsewhere.
The pictures show several of the many projects that Serendipalm’s fair trade program has funded and implemented since 2009.
The following list shows all projects financed through fair trade fond since
2009
Small loan to farmers for farm maintenance
2010
Waste recycling project in Asuom
School materials and school uniforms to Asuom schools
4 public drinking water wells in Asuom, Bomso, Kukubi, Abodom
Small loan to farmers for farm maintenance
2011
Nurses residential home with 4 rooms to support Abaam hospital
Small loan to farmers for farm maintenance
2012
10 public toilets in Asuom und Bomso
Ferry to connect two villages at Kukubi.
Distribution of 5000 mosquito nets for malaria prevention
Small loan to farmers for farm maintenance
2013
Restoration of graveyard in Kukubi
Construction of 10 public toilets in Abaam
2014
Public wells in Amankwakrom
2015
Computer lab and library in Abaam for learning
Computer donation at Kwaebibirem School for digital learning
2016
A freshwater system at Asuom clinic
Drinking water wells in Kukubi and Ntronang
Public toilets in Abodom
Working materials for organic farmers for sustainable cultivation
2017
Construction of the roofed market in Bomso to support local trade
Public toilets in Pramkese
2018
Tertiary Educational Scholarship for 3 students
Repairs of some farm gate roads in Asuom and Abaam
Purchasing of 15 Luojia tricycles for 11 Communities
Capacity Building Training for FT members
Distribution of Farm Implements (Boots, Cutlasses and Head pans/ Basins) for farmers
2019
30 Seater Coaster bus for Serendipalm workers
Pruning tool purchasing support for DAF farmers
Tertiary Educational Support for 13 students
Construction of 3 Community Information Centers
Repairs of Foot Bridge in Asuom
Distribution of Farm Implements (Boots, Cutlasses and Head pans/ Basins) for farmers
Repairs of some farm gate roads in Abodom and Abaam
2020
Foot bridge in Asuom, Amankwakrom
Educational Scholarship for 8 students
Roofing of Abaam, Presby Junior High School
Purchasing of Equipment for Information Centers
Farm Road Maintenance
Capacity Building for FT members
2021
Renovation off the following schools:
- Amanfron Junio High
- Asuom LA Primary
- Asuom Presby
- Islamic Nursery Classrooms
- Asuom Salv. Army
- Asuom Meth. Basic
Asuom Streetlights Repairs & Installation
Dental Chair Kade Clinic
Educational Scholarship
Wellington Boots Farmers
Borehole Drinking water Mpreponso
Repairs at Ghana Education Service