The textile industry in Tanzania provides work for many men and women, primarily in small workshops or in their own homes. Hand-loom weaving, tailoring, embroidery, batik and tie-dye still use traditional methods and materials such as cotton, jute and sisal.

Oxfam Ireland works with a number of different producer groups in Tanzania which specialise in textiles. ADAT (Artisan Development Agency of Tanzania) is a non-profit group which trains men and women around the country in hand-loom weaving and other textile crafts. It also provides instruction in business skills which enables its students to set up their own businesses. ADAT also assists its students with the purchase of looms and raw materials.

GOIG (Growing Old is to Grow) is another organisation concerned with providing instruction in weaving and tailoring, but in a different way. This group – originally started by retired women who wanted to give something back to their local community – runs a vocational school which offers a number of places to young girls who cannot afford to pay. The group also provides a crèche and daily hot meals for all its students. They specialise in handloom weaving using sisal mixed with cotton; their rugs are particularly well made.

Marvelous Batik is a small Dar es Salaam-based company owned and run by Flotea Masawe, a woman of boundless energy. Six years ago, when Oxfam Ireland first began working with Marvelous Batik, there were six sewers working in two rooms in Flotea's home. She has only recently completed renovations which have given the company a new showroom and offices, plus separate workshops for tailoring, batik, tie-dye and machine embroidery. She employs over 20 people regularly, plus others when she has extra work.