Joel Tsvakwi
A weaving project which for years has been known to be a mainstay for Matabeleland North’s capital, Lupane has managed to penetrate various districts in the province as it seeks to empower rural women.
The famous life changing basket weaving project using ilala is now being done in other districts such as Binga, Tsholotsho and Nkayi.
Speaking to The Zambezi Times, Lupane development Trust director, Hildegard Mufukare said this is a strategic move in making the commercial use of ilala become sustainable and inclusive.
“There are various factors leading to reaching out to the other districts but of concern is to control the supply side of the value chain especially to curb the scrupulous harvesting of the key raw material ilala.
“There are people driven by selfish motives who recklessly harvest the ilala from Lupane and sell it to neighboring weavers in nearby districts so as to guard against this we had to rope in weavers in those areas through our organisation,” she said.
Mufukare revealed that in Lupane district, they have initiated other side projects to boost women’s empowerment.
“We have established lodges, a restaurant and chicken, goat, sheep projects. All these projects are alternative revenue generating projects for the organisation,” she said.
Courtesy of USAID, Mufukare is happy that the organisation has helped them in establishing their farming project by purchasing some equipment.
“USAID helped us on the installation of the jojo tanks for irrigation and water supply for the animals we keep.
“This project is a viable one but as a consequence of Covid many people in Lupane ventured into chicken production and thereby threatening our market share. Also, the banning of intercity travels affected us in a big way. However, with the easing of the lockdown restrictions we expect better fortunes.”
