Post Detail

The Bamboo Mat Weavers Collective Programme had been supported by CEE-UNEP and Sir Dorabji Tata Trust (SDTT). The programme was designed to introduce and train the marginalized bamboo mat weaving communities to new weaving methodology to enhance their livelihoods. The collective building initiative looked to develop a robust bamboo mat weaving cluster as a feeder industry to support the bamboo ply industry in Assam.=

The Bamboo Mat Weavers Collective Programme was initiated in 2009. In its 3-year implementation period it has effectively conducted more than 20 training programmes and trained more than 500 bamboo mat weavers in the “Naga Weave”. The programme was aimed to increase livelihood opportunities for the tribal communities residing on the periphery of Manas National Park in Assam to limit the incidence of deforestation in the region. The programme was also very successful in creating a peoples collective which effectively handles the business in negotiating the prices of the mats. The programme was also very successful in increasing the market rate of quality bamboo mats leading to 60% incremental incomes for the bamboo mat weaving communities.