GEXSI Limited Liability
Partnership (LLP) provides non-charitable services based
on a shared philosophy with the GEXSI Charity. For more
information on the professional services provided by GEXSI
LLP refer to www.gexsi.com
Smallholder Shell Fish Farmer Cooperative
The cooperative is set up to not only increase the income of poor
local farmers, but also offer farmers an excellent alternative to
using antibiotics in aquaculture.
The Smallholder Shell Fish Cooperative is set up
in order to increase the income of poor farmers and fishers in a very
remote part of the Mekong Delta, one of the poorest regions in Vietnam.
The cooperative will provide local farmers with debt relief, training,
distribution channels and equipment. The project builds on the experience
of a small shell fish farm which is operated by a social entrepreneur
of the GEXSI network. The initial farm was established in 2004 in
order to demonstrate a more sustainable and effective method of aquaculture
farming. Unlike many other acquaculture farms, this project does not
use antibiotics, instead it uses effective micro organisms as they
ensure a naturally balanced water quality. This project also has other
significant environmental benefits including assisting with preserving
mangrove wetland ecosystems, which helps in protecting biodiversity
and preventing erosion.
GEXSI assist the local social entrepreneur in setting-up
a cooperative which will help local smallholder families to generate
income above the poverty line. Finance is needed to mentor and coach
the local entrepreneur in setting up the cooperative as well as for
a soft loan to cover the operative costs until the first shell fish
will be sold (after 18 months). The loan is managed by GEXSI ; once
it is repaid it will be "recycled" to sponsor the next generation
of social entrepreneurs of our network.
