Aid to Artisans

In 2006 an ATA team took a detailed look at the value chain involved in the production of artisan textiles, as part of the SAGIC (Support for Accelerated Growth and Increased Competitiveness) project, led by International Resources Group and funded by USAID. Currently, ATA is working in Senegal with USAID EG to develop artisan textiles in the value chain.
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With a focus on organic, handspun cotton dyed naturally, ATA is helping to position artisans in Senegal to take advantage of emerging global eco-markets. From 2007 to 2008, ATA collaborated with UNIDO to provide training, develop a Senegal Artisan Directory and bring international buyers to Senegal.

Accomplishments

• Senegal Artisan Directory was developed and is now available on ATA’s website in French and English.
• A Natural Dye Workshop was conducted to strengthen the capacity of Senegalese dyers.
• Introduction of village-level hand-spinning technology and the continued development of organic hand-spun yarn.
• Four US and European buyers traveled to Senegal to begin business relationships with artisan businesses.
• Intensive costing and pricing workshops were conducted with nearly 100 artisans in four locations.
• ATA exhibited Senegalese products at ATA’s booth in the New York International Gift Fair in 2007.

Partners & Collaborators
USAID
USAID Economic Growth
IRG (International Resource Group)
UNIDO

ATA's artisan enterprise partners, social enterprises all, are also numerous, such as:
Aissa Dione, Soli Sen, Maam Samba, 10,000 Girls (WHEPSA), ACOMA, and many others.

Contributors
ATA would like to thank the following organizations for providing funding
for efforts in Senegal:
United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)
And many individual donors