The women around Njombe in the south-central highlands of Tanzania have been famous for their baskets for generations. In the past the baskets were used for measuring – one size was used for rice, one for maize etc. They are still useful, though now more for storage than as units of measure, and are valued for their natural beauty as well.

Oxfam Ireland sources Iringa baskets from WAWATA, a women's organisation affiliated to the local diocese of the Roman Catholic Church. WAWATA, though based in Njombe, provides work to over 200 women in five outlying villages. Each of the villages makes its own unique style of basket.

The baskets are made from a local reed called milulu which grows in moist areas in the locality. The women each pick their own supply of milulu and make the baskets in their own homes. The baskets are then transported to Njombe town where they are stored. Some of the baskets are decorated with milulu that has been dyed using bark and leaves from local plants.

WAWATA supplies baskets to Oxfam Ireland through Kwanza Collection, our Tanzanian partner. Kwanza has been able to provide a bicycle to WAWATA, making transport of baskets to Njombe a bit easier. In order to improve its business capability, and continue to provide income to the women involved, WAWATA would like to purchase some land for its own milulu fields so the women do not have to walk so far (up to 5 miles) to collect their raw materials. They would also like to build storage sheds in the villages which would enable them to work throughout the year and not just in the dry season. The income they raise through the sale of their products to Oxfam and other Fair Trade retailers will enable them to make these practical long-term investments that will benefit the whole community.