How does SERRV / A Greater Gift benefit artisans and farmers?  This is a question that we hear often and answering it is a core part of making sure we are effectively fulfilling our mission. To assess our impact, we rely on regular communication from our partners.  We systematize information that we gather from them on sales, quality of life, and the results of measurable goals outlined in our long-term agreements with our partners.  Our visits to our partners are another way we are able to gather information to evaluate our work.  All of this information helps us assess the impact of our work and guide us in our strategic planning.

Spotlight on our Impact Assessment work

Producer-Partners – Africa, Latin America – Impact Assessment

How does a woodcarver in Kenya, or a weaver in the mountains of Peru measure the benefit that our work and fair trade in general has had on their lives? To answer this question, and to better understand the overall impact of our work, we contracted two interns to collect information from our partners in Africa and Latin America and to assess the impact of our work in these two regions of the world. The 2006 study collected surveys from over a hundred individual artisans as well as information from the organizations of which they are a part. The results helped us better understand what the work from SERRV and other fair trade partners brings to the lives of producers.

All members of the International Fair Trade Association (IFAT) are required to fill out an in-depth self-assessment every two years. The self-assessment helps IFAT to monitor its members to assure that they are carrying out the basic principles of fair trade established by IFAT. We received very good reviews from IFAT on our 2007 assessment of our work and our practices.  As part of our self assessment process, we asked our partners how they assess whether we are benefiting the artisans with whom they work. Here are some of their responses:

• With the orders from SERRV, we have 5 producer groups that have risen dramatically in the level and quality of life.
• Artisans have improved their living standards by: (i.) Their children are getting quality education.  (ii.) Food nutrition has been improved.
• On account of orders placed by your organization the women artisans are able to take daily bread two times a day instead of one time.  They are able to meet sundry expenses by themselves.
• Our artisans were kept busy the whole year, that guaranteed food on their table, shelter for those who pay rent for their houses, clothing for their family and most importantly school needs for their children.