Crafting Fairer Futures: Improving livelihoods of artisans through sustainable and eco-friendly handcraft production

Project Background

The project aims to address the challenge of increasing costs and limited availability of raw materials (primarily raffia), create sustainable handcraft practices and empower artisans to diversify their skills and products for modern markets.

To deliver this project we have partnered with Rwenzori Sustainable Trade Centre (RSTC), a WFTO-certified social enterprise promoting sustainable economic growth in Uganda's Rwenzori region. RSTC supports over 4,200 artisans, (90% women), across 45 craft groups.

To provide technical support and training to the producer groups, we are also working with Ugandan social enterprise, TEXFAD. Based in Kampala, TEXFAD process waste banana stems into a fibre for the production of handwoven textiles for the domestic and export market.

Through the provision of equipment and technical training delivered by TEXFAD, the artisans will learn to process the waste banana stems into a fibre, which can be used to weave baskets and other handcraft items. Additional training in product design and development will enable the artisans to diversify into new product designs to meet changing consumer demands and attract new buyers.

To promote the products, RSTC will work closely with WFTO Africa, to co-ordinate participation in exhibitions, trade fairs and establish a marketing campaign. The target market will be eco-conscious buyers.

A production centre has been constructed and equipped with two fibre processing machines and 30 handlooms. Participants have also received training in good agronomy practices to ensure they can harvest and handle the banana stems correctly to ensure a sustainable supply chain of raw material.  

Production of baskets and other products is expected to begin in November 2025 and will be reported in Social Accounts 2026.

Image: TBA

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We hope you enjoyed learning about this Shared Interest Foundation project.

Since 2004, thanks to our incredible supporters, Shared Interest Foundation has delivered 51 projects in 15 countries, reaching over 13,000 farmers and artisans. 

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If you have any questions about this project, please feel free to speak with a member of the Foundation team via email here.