As part of a series of “fireside chats” sponsored by R.I.S.E. Artisan Fund, Lore Defrancq shared her vision as trustee and co-founder of Hadithi Crafts.

Hadithi Crafts Support CBO is a community-based artisan enterprise that weaves together wildlife conservation, sustainability, and traditional craft while creating jobs in rural Kenya. Launched in 2014 with 500 women, Hadithi now works with around 1900 artisans, who support over 10,000 family members, living in the communities surrounding Tsavo, a critical ecosystem for elephants and other wildlife. By offering sustainable livelihoods, Hadithi helps protect wildlife and preserve the delicate balance of nature in the Tsavo national parks in southeastern Kenya.

Organized in 65 women’s groups, Hadithi artisans use traditional basket weaving and more modern bead crafts to create unique baskets, accessories, and a wildlife conservation collection of gifts. Hadithi provides the infrastructure and resources for these artisans to continue their craft while earning an income that creates financial security and offers a viable alternative to clearing threatened forests for farming or poaching protected wildlife in a vulnerable ecosystem.

Basket weavers

Hadithi baskets are handwoven with twined sisal or local palm, a skill that has been passed from mother to daughter for generations. Artisans also work glass beading on leather and sew stuffed animals in colorful African fabric that highlight the local wildlife. The 20 villages bring their own styles that reflect their communities.

Image Courtesy of Hadithi Crafts

Lore Defrancq started Hadithi after realizing she could expand income opportunities for these women artisans by connecting them to buyers in international markets. The Tsavo region is predominantly rural and one of the most economically marginalized counties in Kenya. Market opportunities were limited beyond roadside sales to tourists, and the supply of the handwoven baskets far exceeded the demand from tourists and local buyers.

“To make this work [as a way to earn an income you can live on], you really need training, you need the tools, you need a place to work, and you need a market,” said Lore. Hadithi provides training for the artisans and group leaders, and works with each women’s group to improve product quality and streamline operations.

With a reliable means of income, the women are investing in their family’s health and education. When surveyed, 99% of the artisans said that being a member of Hadithi benefits their personal life. The Hadithi artisans also direct how Hadithi profits are reinvested into their communities. Each year at the annual meeting, the leaders of the women’s groups vote on the profit distribution proposed by the executive committee. Each group then decides how best to use the cash distribution in their communities.

“I want any woman in the county who wants to work to have the opportunity to do that,” shared Lore. “I measure closely how much money goes back into the hands of these women and their communities. For them to be able to support their families and plan a future, that financial income brings pride and autonomy.”

Hadithi has also increased the sustainability of its production processes. When Hadithi began its village satellite shops to supply sisal, the main plant fiber used in basket weaving, the women did the dyeing themselves using chemical dyes at home. These powder dyes, readily available in Kenya, are difficult to mix to achieve color consistency. Chemical dyes are also toxic, increasing health and environmental risks for the artisans and their homesteads.

Courtesy of Hadithi Crafts

To address these issues, Hadithi built a production center for dyeing the sisal in a secure workshop with wastewater treatment. Thanks to the safe and controlled environment, more complex dyeing processes can be used that are more environmentally friendly. The dyed sisal is then distributed to the village satellite shops. Hadithi also developed a natural color chart with natural dye recipes and trained all its member artisans how to safely use natural dyes at home. The result is a stunning variety of creative baskets, in consistent color without compromising on health or environment.

Courtesy of Hadithi Crafts

With support from the R.I.S.E. Artisan Fund, Hadithi exhibited its newest wholesale collection in February as part of the Global Artisan Project at Shoppe Object, a New York trade show for home and gift products. This Spring/Summer collection is the first collection of baskets targeted to the requirements of international wholesaler buyers for consistent styles and colors — a significant shift from the one-of-a-kind baskets produced for roadside sales.

As production changes to meet the requirements for international export, Lore remains committed to Hadithi’s mission of financially empowering the women artisans. “It’s about being flexible, being present and adapting. You have to stay near the processes and always keep improving, while not losing sight of why you’re doing it,” shared Lore.

“As we celebrate a decade of impact and growth, we are reminded that every product sold uplifts a life. Let’s keep dreaming big, acting boldly, and working together to turn these stories of hope into lasting change,” Lore Defrancq vowed.

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To learn more:

Hadithi Crafts: Our Journey of Change, 2014-2024

R.I.S.E. Artisan Fund