Abstract

Traditional dye represents 35% of homemade production in Guinea and 40% of the country's manufacturing output. Furthermore, 80% of those involved are women. In the first phase of this project, a new technique was introduced for extracting indigo, while several aspects of the dying process were changed. As a result of these innovations, costs have been reduced considerably and dyers have both doubled their production capacity and lightened their workload. Since the first phase was completed, a number of local stakeholders have undertaken to promote this new technology with support from international organizations working in Guinea. Phase II of the project will focus on improving not only the extraction and printing techniques, but also the raw material supply and product selling networks. Efforts will also aim to enhance the quality of products and the effectiveness of cooperatives by establishing a permanent support structure for small textile businesses.

Post-Project Summary

A postproject abstract could not be written due to lack of documentation in the IDRC library.

Recipient Institution(s)