‘moto’ (heat) is an initiative in the Zanzibar Archipealago, Tanzania, for the establishment of a handicrafts co-operative network to work as a competitive small industry, for the development of rural economy. The project also aims to recover the high quality of its produce lost within the past decades and to reach new markets, locally and internationally.
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Initiated in 1997 by Antje Förstle, the project is a joint partnership with 'solarafrica.network' as an adventure to implement renewable energies as a means to assist the co-operatives economy. It is also supported by C.A.R.E. Tanzania and the Jozani Forest National Park project. |
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How renewable energies can assist co-operatives?
'moto' products are proud to be fully environmentaly responsible.
In the process of manufacturing 'ukili', vast amounts of energy are requiered mainly for the dyeing of the palm fibbers. These are boiled with natural dyes (roots, bark, soil, etc.) for long periods depending on the intensity of the colours requiered.
All 'moto' co-operatives use exclusively parabolic reflector concentrators (k14), which guarantee its products respect fully the environment, assist the rural economy by substantial energy savings and promote sensible ways of using energy as an exaple for development.
Being environmentally responsible, 'moto' products find a more competitive place in the international market.
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Growing power to cooperatives
'moto' works in 5 villages, providing an umbrella for 12 cooperatives, totalling over 120 members, which benefit from an improved structure and working ethic.
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In each village, part of the 'moto' network, members of the local co-ops meet at least once a month. There the women exchange news, discuss problems and last but not least, hope to receive skills or business training or an order for their products by associated co-operatives, organisations or directly by 'moto'. |
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For more information please visit www.solarafrica.net/moto.