Economic Growth Madagascar Project #56378

Building a Women's Weaving Cooperative

Project Report | Feb 11, 2025
Mahampy Weavers' Continued Growth

By Samantha Grunow | Programmes and Office Assistant

The Mahampy Project continues to make significant strides. Over the past few months, the women of the Mahampy Weavers’ Cooperative have seen impressive growth in both their skills and success.

Sustainability has been a key focus of the project. Through careful data collection and analysis, we’ve introduced sustainable harvesting techniques for mahampy reeds. These methods balance ecological health with consistent reed availability, ensuring that the wetlands will continue to provide a reliable resource for future generations.

On the business side, the cooperative has flourished. Sales increased by 59%, with a record 1,057,200 MGA in sales over the Christmas period. The women have also gained financial independence through education savings and loan schemes, while new literacy and stock management training have empowered them to take control of their business practices.

The Mahampy team has been busy strengthening its market presence as well. Through detailed sales data analysis, we’ve identified target markets for the cooperative, and we’re in the process of designing a Data Feedback session to share key insights. In December, committee meetings took place, and a cooperative-wide meeting was held in January to ensure alignment and shared goals.

The women have also remained committed to their learning journey. Attendance at the financial literacy training session in December was a remarkable 86%. This training will conclude in February, followed by an endline survey to measure progress and impact.

With their leadership, determination, and expanding skills, the women of the Mahampy Weavers’ Cooperative are on track to build an even brighter future. Together, we’re weaving a legacy of empowerment and sustainability that will continue to thrive for years to come. Thank you for being a part of this transformative journey.

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Oct 21, 2024
Building Financial Independence Through Weaving

By Andi Rezqi Safitri | Programmes and Office Assistant

Over the past six months, the Mahampy Project has made amazing progress, bringing real change to the lives of the women in the Mahampy Weavers’ Cooperative. Through hands-on weaving sessions led by experienced members, the women have learned new skills and improved the quality of their products. With new shelving and storage added to their workshop, the space has become more organised and professional, helping them showcase their work better.

One of the most exciting moments was the launch of new, value-added products, thanks to a partnership with Tamalà. This partnership had given the weavers an opportunity not only to diversify their production but also to enter international markets. It allowed them to get commissions from anywhere in the world, and their works reached much farther than their locale.

On the financial side, the project continues to empower women with stability. The education savings scheme is now into its second year and has assisted members in settling school fees. Another major milestone was when sub-cooperative leaders took over the management of the alternative loan scheme. This changeover reflects that the women are confident and assuming greater responsibility, as all loans are successfully being repaid.

Sales have also increased through direct advertising and reseller meetings. Over the past year, sales increased by 59%, and the average price of the products increased by 56%. With new training in literacy and stock management, the women are also better equipped to handle the business side of things and contribute to their success.

As the project moves forward, continued focus on sales growth, leadership, and financial skills will be key to maintaining this progress. The women of the Mahampy Weavers’ Cooperative are showing incredible resilience and determination, building a brighter future for themselves and their community. Together, they’re weaving a stronger tomorrow—one reed at a time.

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Jun 20, 2024
Weaving Women Together

By Sally Deitchman | Programmes and Office Assistant

In the south Anosy region of Madagascar, Mahampy reed weaving has become a lifeline for women seeking flexible and sustainable livelihoods. Despite its potential, weaving faces challenges such as low return on investment and poor access to markets. Seeing these factors, Project Mahampy aims to change this situation by creating profitable and sustainable weaving livelihoods.

The creation of the weaving cooperative, literacy training sessions, and education savings schemes play a significant role in achieving this goal. Literacy training sessions are essential to building capacity and empowerment. So far, the women remain engaged with the program and can now expect a new literacy programme which has just been finalised. There has also been a shift in leadership for the literacy training program with a member of the Mahampy Committee now running the program. The education savings scheme continues to serve 38 women. With 1,000,000 MGA saved in the system the women are provided with financial security and resilience.

In April 2024, SEED facilitated a transformative experience for 10 women in the Mahampy Project by organising a regional cross visit to four weaving cooperatives. This exchange was focused around sharing knowledge, expertise, and joint problem solving and was supplemented by visits to tourist shops in Fort Dauphin to inspire the women and improve quality control. Overall, this trip was a testament to the Mahampy Project’s ability to build bridges between communities and foster solidarity among women artisans.

Another big celebration has been Mahampy’s collaboration with national and international resellers leading to the first commission of new products currently being fulfilled. This milestone is outstanding evidence of the hard work and dedication of these talented women.

SEED is incredibly grateful for your generous support, which is making a tangible difference in the lives of these women. Together, we weave a brighter future—one reed at a time.

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