YATTA SOUTH WOMENS' GROUP

The Yatta South Women's Group is located in a rural area between Machakos and Kitui, approximately a three-hour drive from the centre of Nairobi. This rural area struggles to survive on cash crops, a stiff challenge given the dry and arid climate that has recently been experienced in the region. The Co-operative has been in existence since 1986. Some 2030 women belong to the organisation that weaves sisal baskets for primarily local but also international markets. The Co-operative has its own office and stock room located in Katangi. Here the stock is collected and accounts and administration for the groups are coordinated. All the weaving is undertaken during a working day by the women. The significant value of the project and the direct benefits for the Co-op members is immense. With the ongoing drought situation in the region, cash from crops is marginal. The extra income arising from the basket weaving makes a real financial difference to 2030 ladies.