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The communities in the northwestern Madagascar are increasingly turning to craftsmanship to valorize natural resources
Seventy women in three Fokontany of the Beramanja commune, Ambilobe district, have been trained in transforming raffia into fashion accessories
In Ambaro Bay, home to more than 51,000 hectares of mangroves, communities depend mostly on fishery. The sustainable handicraft sector has developed in the region to reduce pressure on the oceans and the species they shelter.
However, some fishing methods in Ambaro Bay remain questionable. The oceans and mangroves suffer from the consequences of overfishing, primarily due to the use of massive and destructive fishing gears. Among these the “kira”, a tool made by fishermen from raffia trees, contributes to the destruction of shrimp resources.
The Great Island has a large reserve of raffia that spans over 50,000 hectares and meets 75% of the global demand for raffia. To ensure the proper exploitation of this stock, the Ministry of Handicrafts and Trades, in collaboration with WWF, promotes the raffia artisanal sector in the DIANA region. Seventy women in three Fokontany (Ankazomahity, Antsatrana, Ampandrana) of the Beramanja commune, Ambilobe district, have been trained in transforming raffia into fashion accessories such as hats, small handbags, bags, etc. They have also received a professional card issued in collaboration with the Ministry of Handicrafts and Trades, providing them with certain advantages such as facilitated access to national and international forums or exhibitions, as well as obtaining a CNAPS card.
Finished products will then be commercialized nationally and internationally thanks to the support of WWF and the ministry. Both of them will facilitate market access and the contribution of private companies. In addition, WWF has established a partnership with ULTRAMAILLE to strengthen the sector and market access.
Today, this activity represents a significant source of income for women, allowing them to supplement their family's earnings while valorizing natural resources. In the Beramanja commune, all those who have completed the raffia crochet and weaving training are officially recognized as "legal professional artisans" and benefit from several advantages thanks to this status. "If we continue on this path, we, women, will make Madagascar a developed country," says Sophie RATSIRAKA, Minister of Handicrafts and Trades. WWF supports the ministry's vision of extending the promotion of the sustainable raffia sector to several communes in the DIANA region.
