Programs & Activities

ATA has undertaken a multi-partnered project funded by former Academy for Educational Development, now FHI 360. The main goal of this project is to enhance health, education, economic benefits, cultural appreciation and environmental protection through the development of sustainable tourism. ATA will focus its efforts on four key overarching areas of support over the life of this project: (1) promote the craft sector as a key experience in tourist destinations and a key economic driver for reducing poverty, creating employment and raising the socio-economic status of Ethiopian artisans; (2) stimulate the development of marketable, culturally appropriate and environmentally sound handmade products through market-driven product development design and technical assistance; (3) build the capacity of artisans to more effectively manage for business success, respond to business opportunities and create and maintain buyer relations; and (4) increase market access through developing and expanding artisan “touch points” and more regionally linked and based market opportunities to maximize artisans sales from the tourist industry. ATA has reached more than 200 artisans living in the Central and Southern Rift Valley of Ethiopia. These 200 artisans represent 9 enterprises that develop products in textiles, wood, horn, basketry, and calabash. Their product collection embodies the lines for home decor, gift, fashion, and hotel accessories. They have developed baskets, curtains, placemats, pillows, scarves, vases, and among others.

Accomplishments as of January 2013

  • Conducted 2 Local Market Readiness Programs for 11 artisans groups located in the SRV and CRV which addressed the following topics: team building, market segments and channels, color and product trends, product development and design, green markets, HIV&AIDS, costing and pricing, festival and fairs, and marketing and sales plan.
  • Conducted one environmental assessment for 9 artisan groups.
  • Provided several technical workshops such as Training of Trainers, Dyeing training, and Sewing training,
  • Developed 11 business plans for each artisan groups
  • Out of the 11 groups, 9 artisans groups have been registered and legalized
  • 8 artisan groups own their own shop and workshops for the tourists
  • 3 international consultancies were arranged, which helped the artisans to participate in 7 major local fairs in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
  • Through these consultancies, more than 170 new products have been developed.
  • 9 marketing catalogues have been developed
  • A Ecotourism Website is now online at www.rootsofethiopia.com.
  • 229 artisans have directly benefited from this program among which about 48% are women.
  • These artisans generated about $99,000 in sales representing an increase of 310% in sales since 2010.

Project Lead

Maud Mabika
Senior Manager – ATA Programs
maudm@creativelearning.org

Contributors and Partners
ATA would like to thank the following organizations and partners for providing funding for efforts in Ethiopia:

United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
FHI 360 (former Academy of Educational Development)
Counterpart International (CPI)
George Washington University
Solimar International
Frankfurt Zoological Society
Horn of Africa Regional Environment Center and Network (Ho-AREC)