Panama
- Capital city: Panama City
- Population: 3,242,173
- Export commodities: bananas, shrimp, sugar, coffee, clothing
- % below the poverty line: 37% (1999)
- GDP/ capita: $8,200 (2006)
- Life expectancy: 75.19 (2007)
- Literacy rate: 91.9% (2003)
- Environmental issues: deforestation, water pollution


Local school after repairs and upgrades were completed



Women sewing traditional dresses at Clavo de Oro



New bathroom area at Las Nubes



Old housing on the left, newly constructed housing quarters on the right

Beneficio Bajareque
(Finca Clavo de Oro, Finca Las Nubes)
Total spent 2000-2006 = $63,166

Background - In 2000 we bought over 80,000 pounds from a group of 25 small farmers in the Boquete region of Panama and paid .50 cents/ tin above the market value. We started a sliding program with two of the families for improving housing quarters, water and electricity. Therefore, when the coffee market is low a higher percentage of funds is accrued towards this fund, but as the market goes up the farmers themselves are responsible for providing money for these programs.

2000 - Donations were made to two families to help improve the workers’ living conditions.
Total spent: $3,900

2001 - We helped 31 farmers this year by purchasing approximately 200,000 pounds of coffee at a price above the market value. Two housing quarters were also rebuilt at a farm known as Clavo de Oro. At another farm, Baja Mono, the existing kitchens were repaired, the common walkways were concreted, and a common washing station was added. Total spent: $8,000

2002 - Community Aid funds were used to purchase 30% of the farm’s fertilizer needs for the season. Support was also allocated for the meal program, clothing, and medical supplies. This year also saw the beginning of a new relationship with farmer, Jose Renan. We purchased his crop at an above-market price and, with the extra $14,315.76 this provided him, he was able to make enough profit to keep his farm out of foreclosure. Total spent: $12,000

2003 - Two more housing quarters were built at Clavo de Oro and repairs were made to two local elementary schools (see picture on next page). Sewing machines were also purchased to make it possible for the women to make dresses to sell locally. Total spent: $5,629