The main purpose of Fazenda Tamandua is to develop suitable crops for the semi-arid region of the Sertao.  Pierre's aim is to provide people with alternatives so that they can earn a living in the area and don't migrate to overpopulated cities.  This has turned out to be a long-term project. 

Another initiative which Pierre took is the Intituto Estrela which provides loans to local businesses, which would otherwise not be eligible for loan from a local bank.  Instead of the 8-10% interest charged by local banks, Instituto Estrela only charges 2–5%.  In addition to just lending money, Instituto Estrela also provides valuable training to small businesses – teaching them about interest rates, capital, bookkeeping and the like.  Over the last 5 years it has grown to serve more than 2000 clients and helped them to develop a successful business of their own.