This 5-year project aims at strengthening the technical, managerial and organisational capabilities of APEMEP, the Panamanian association for owners of small and medium size farms. It also provides assistance and advice in negotiation skills, strategic planning, as well as technical help and resources related to providing seasonal loans. These, in turn, will encourage independence and sustainability of self-help group actions and better economic projects for the members, with particular emphasis on women issues. Appropriate training courses will be designed and contacts between APEMEP and regional and international aid organisations will be promoted. The project’s ultimate objective is to ensure that, once completed, similar technical assistance is no longer required by APEMEP.