Safia Minney Reports from Nepal

I have recently been in Nepal where I was working with People Tree producer groups who make hand-knit wear and handicrafts along with three People Tree designers. It seems like the only thing that Nepal has going for it economically is Fair Trade – the economy has slid backwards. Political instability means that the infrastructure is crumbling as Maoist campaigns have forced people into Kathmandu Valley, doubling the population in only 5 years. Coupled with high prices and limited availability of kerosene fuel, water and electricity, which comes and goes in turns around the city, life is the hardest I’ve ever seen it here.

I’m staying in KTS Director Kiran Khadgi’s family home so have the privilege of water to shower and delicious home cooking. Houses are being built everywhere. Unemployment and inflation have never been higher – this country needs a good government and a plan – Fair Trade is not enough.

I’m facilitating a workshop for handicraft producers – doing research and interviews to find out the challenges Fair Trade organisations face in Nepal in going green.

Nepal has amazing traditional Dhaka hand weavers as well as incredible natural fibres and fabrics. We’ve developed some amazing yarns made from nettle, hemp, banana trunk fibre and banana root fibre – don’t worry banana trees are completely sustainable – all these incredible fibres are possible because of the long term commitment of a Fair Trade partnership!

There are 10 people at the workshop from the largest Fair Trade groups, all members of Fair Trade Group Nepal. Each group has stepped up their activities to prove just how environmentally friendly their handicrafts are. In some cases this puts a huge strain on them. Nepal’s infrastructure is so poor that sourcing certified this-and-that is impossible – you have to develop the supply yourself. Many produce products totally by hand and the only advantage they have is that they aren’t affected by regular power cuts! It’s shocking to hear some have lost orders from commercial companies because they can’t show they use certified organic cotton – which is ridiculous! Social and environmental justices have to work together.