In northern Botswana, basket weavers and ostrich eggshell artists struggle to earn steady incomes on their own. This project helps them form member-led cooperatives and provides support in business, marketing, and governance. Cooperatives help the artisans gain access to larger markets, earn fairer prices, and grow as leaders, creating sustainable livelihoods while preserving cultural traditions and the environment.
In the remote villages of northern Botswana, women have few economic opportunities and often rely on crafts such as basket weaving and jewelry making to support their families. Yet, working alone, a single artisan struggles to find buyers or secure consistent orders for her work.
By coming together to form member-led cooperatives, artisans can unlock greater opportunities and stability. Impact Fund is helping women artisans in four villages establish basket- weaving cooperatives, and supporting San women to launch an ostrich eggshell artist cooperative. This includes guidance on constitutions, business plans, marketing strategies, funding proposals, and other essential steps to set them on the path to prosperity.
In the long term, women-led cooperatives will create sustainable livelihoods, giving artisans reliable incomes, stronger leadership roles, and a greater voice in their communities. By preserving cultural traditions and protecting the environment, the project ensures that basket weaving and ostrich eggshell artistry remain viable sources of pride and opportunity for future generations.
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