The Gente de Valor - Rural Communities Development Project in the Poorest Areas of the State of Bahia was implemented between 2006 and 2013. The project's development goal was to reduce poverty, especially extreme poverty levels, of semi-arid communities of the State of Bahia. The design of the project was very well adapted to the challenging agro-ecological environment of the area. Among the most important effects of the project were the improved access to water (both for human consumption and for horticulture), access to enhanced production techniques and technology, as well as the significant empowerment of disadvantaged communities, and within communities, of women. Beneficiaries are better aware of social and economic development opportunities in the area and active in trying to pursue them. Smaller-scale and easier-to-manage economic activities promoted by the project, such as the horticultural backyards and the rearing of small ruminants, show good perspectives of economic viability. On the other hand, larger processing plants for agricultural produce require considerable managerial skills, knowledge of markets, as well as working capital. They also require a solid business case analysis and plan. These have not yet been achieved to a sufficient extent.