Action Aid Projects

Babassu palm trees grow in the countryside of the northeaster Brazilian state of Maranhao. The babassu palm, native to this northeastern corner of Brazil, is an important part of the local culture and economy - more than 60 products come from it including oil used for cooking and cosmetics as well as the nutshell which is used as cooking fuel. The Association of Land Reform Settlements of Maranhao State (ASSEMA) is an umbrella NGO of associations operated for and by rural peasants and babassu nut crackers, which British NGO Action Aid has helped support ASSEMA since 1999.(AustralFoto/Douglas Engle)

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Babassu palm trees grow in the countryside of the northeaster Brazilian state of Maranhao. The babassu palm, native to this northeastern corner of Brazil, is an important part of the local culture and economy - more than 60 products come from it including oil used for cooking and cosmetics as well as the nutshell which is used as cooking fuel. The Association of Land Reform Settlements of Maranhao State (ASSEMA) is an umbrella NGO of associations operated for and by rural peasants and babassu nut crackers, which British NGO Action Aid has helped support ASSEMA since 1999.(AustralFoto/Douglas Engle)

engle brazil charity ngo britain england agriculture peasant babassu maranhao