Vegetable Ivory (Tagua)

ProPueblo creates work opportunities, and encourages growth and independent livelihoods for local artisans in their home villages. Artisans are offered support in areas where they usually lack expertise, logistics or financial means. Due to the benefits of this business model, independent artisan groups working in their home villages continue to join ProPueblo’s growing network of craftspeople. This support encompasses many areas and requires varied types of activities, logistics and complex coordination in view of the fact on one hand we work with many remotely located artisans with different types of professional skills and on the other hand we market many product lines that require different raw materials and skill levels. In order to benefit as many artisans and segments of the population as possible, ProPueblo emphasizes the creation of products using various materials, crafts and artisan skill levels. For example, women are offered the opportunity to produce handicrafts that allow them to work out of their home and care for their family. Combining materials and techniques also results in a common competitive advantage and promotes a diversified development throughout the region. ProPueblo believes that the significant social benefit of creating a long-term and economically sustainable network makes it worthwhile to continue developing and carrying out this complex operation.

Artisan support is provided in a variety of areas:

1. Access to raw materials, tools and supplies

2. Design of new products

3. Production and working methods

4. Training

5. Purchasing

6. Quality control

7. Inventory

8. Wrapping and packaging

9. Transport logistics

10. Marketing

11. Administration

12. Financing