The Forest Foundation, Inc.

This trip was sponsored by Aid To Artisans Colombia with funding from USAID.

The artisan groups visted were:

the Canaflecha artisans from San Antonio de Palmito, Sucre;
the Iraca artisans in Sandona, Narino; and
the Mochilla producers in Valledepur, Santa Marta.

We are looking forward to working with these groups, ATA and others as these projects develop. (A wool Mochila and Canaflecha hat)

To date Forests of the World and The Forest Foundation has had mixed results working in Colombia. Problems have been consistency and quality of product, communications and cost. My expectation is that design, consistency and quality will be less of an issue as well as communication, given the quality of these producers and their infrastructure. However, cost may continue to be a challenge in this globalizing market, and Colombia’s comparative disadvantage is in transportation logistics. Thus, design may play a critical role, allowing the artisans to gain a premium for their product, but requiring a close and continuing process of interaction with the artisans in colors, style and line development.

In summary:

The Canaflecha producers need assistance solely in design and may be sophisticated enough for direct exports because of the diversity of their line, quality of their work, motivation and degree of management infrastructure. It is suggested that they hire someone who can assist in marketing and finance that speaks English, and they consider marketing directly to wholesale customers globally through tradeshows and a website. (Canaflecha Design Workshop)

The Iraca producers as well may be ready to market directly (particularly their hats, which are some of the finest I have seen). However, they are several months away from having the equipment they need to finish their bags (critical for line diversification), and will need at least one more design workshop to help them improve the styles, production and diversity of their lines. (Sandona images; artisans coop store; office and hats; iraca)

The Indigenous community in Santa Marta may have the greatest potential for sustainable development because of infrastructure, access to markets, quality products, motivated leadership and diverse income stream. However, for their organization to truly grow, they will need a broad range of development assistance to improve self-sufficiency, marketing and sustainability of each of their income generation projects. (Biosphere Reserve Santa Marta; the Indigenous Community Center; spinning sisal; natural dye)

Access to capital will be important to each group.

In addition, the Iraca artisans mentioned the need for new equipment, including sewing and fastening machines and computers, which will improve their competitiveness in global markets. Given that few producers have access to capital to outright purchase equipment and are likely too isolated to find equipment, one possible strategy is to provide this service through the development of an “Artisan Equipment Company,” which could lease, lease to own or sell a broad range of equipment(including alternative energy and conservation technology) that can improve the artisans ability to compete, diversify income streams and develop sustainably. Such an organization could receive funding support and donations for micro-credit, loans, grants and equipment purchases. The likelihood that such an organization could be capitalized either through traditional lending systems, like national banks, or from development banks, is very high.

I want to personally commend Ricardo Eschivera on his excellent ability to adapt to “changing travel conditions” and his relaxed yet professional style working with the artisans. The bond and trust developed with artisans was excellent, and is critical to long-term relationships. Improvements in coordination would include: securing flights for international travel earlier in the day so that late arrivals or mechanical problems will allow for connections, and new, well maintained vehicles be chosen for overland trips (preferred over poorly maintained and older vehicles) for safety and comfort.

It is also highly suggested that to increase value of craft development to overall sustainable development, to utilize the services and infrastructure of the artisan group; and to schedule stays, including room and board, within the communities, to increase the multipliers associated with these types of training workshops. For instance, during the trip to Pasto, it may be advised that the visitors be housed within the community or within the homes of producer group members and fed locally as well. In this way, resources can reinforce socio-economic relationships and even greater bonds develop. Of course, each guest may differ in their desire for more rustic experiences, but this may be offered as an option and its benefits be promoted.

Finally, it is imperative that additional sources of revenue be developed for producer groups (in synergy with crafts), such as ecotourism, coffee and specialty foods, etc., to help diversify income, increase flexibility, reinforce existing infrastructure and increase overall sustainability within communities. For instance, both Iraca and Mochilla producers have abundant resources available to them for additional revenue sources, including tourism and coffee. Coffee has the added benefit of moving large containers, which can be used synergistically to lower the export cost of crafts. Sustainable energy and conservation technology will be critical over the years as these projects develop and the world is forced into dealing with chaotic climate change, the burden of which may fall hardest on the poor. Integrated, sustainable, adaptable and flexible systems will be fundamental to development strategies.

The Canaflecha producers wrote of our workshop:

Nosotros, quedamos gratamente impresionados, por tu gran
profesionalismo, tu conocimiento del sector artesanal, especialmente
en desarrollo de nuevos productos asociados con mercados y demanda de
clientes; como también, nos gustó, mucho, tu trato digno y humano.

En la tarde del presente día, te escribo nuevamente, para brindartes,
informaciones detalladas de nuestros compromisos, contigo y Ricardo.

!Saludos!

Máximo.

Alternative development strategies available at this successful social entrepreneurs bookstore in the main airport in Bogota.

Some General Statistics on Colombia:

GDP: agriculture: 19%
industry: 26%
services: 55% (2001 est.)
Labor: services 46%, agriculture 30%, industry 24% (1990)

Exports: petroleum, coffee, coal, apparel, bananas, cut flowers, rice, tobacco, corn, sugarcane,
cocoa beans, oilseed, vegetables; forest products; shrimp

Average hourly wage: ?

Plan Colombia: $7.5 billion spent to date
10 part Plan
80% of budget to military part
20% to cover 9 other parts
Promotes adjuestment, austerity and privitization.

2 million displaced in war
1.75 million acres out of production
$10 billion lost anually from economy

Colombia’s foray into Starbucks’ retail market, opening 20 of these Juan Valdez branded coffee shops worldwide.

Aid To Artisan article appeared on the back page of the Summer of 2006 Magazine