Baskets

Swaziland is well known for its colourful well made baskets. These are produced by two long established rural development projects, Gone Rural in Malkerns who make baskets in Swazi grass and Tintsaba in Pigg''s Peak who make theirs from sisal. Boith projects employ around 700 rural women on a part time basis, the women make baskets by hand in their homes. This produces a cash income in remote rural areas and helps to stop families fragmenting - the organisers guarantee consistent quality and a ready market. The baskets are sold in leading shops like Habitat and the Conran Shop overseas and are definitely one of the bargains available in Swaziland, a bargain with fair-trade certification .