Aid in Action

Traditional Weaving Becomes Profitable

USAID helps Afghan weavers generate income from skills developed over the years

Shamali Plains  | Monday, December 01, 2003

Matt Herrick

You see my own equipment, except the new loom, is over 30 years old. If I weave a patu for the market, I will do it all in one day. But if I make a patu for the village, for a wedding or celebration, then two days. It is a beautiful gift for the wedding. They know what I do here, because I always weave the patu. Ask if I am good? -Aliachmad, 70- years-old, works behind his patu loom in the hills of the Shamali Plains.

USAID’s income-generating program provided Aliachmad with the necessary tools—yarn and a refurbished loom—to reestablish his reputation in the village as the patu expert. Aliachmad have a lifetime’s worth of skill, but lack materials and start-up cash.

USAID helped to provide materials to 40 families with another 140 families, particularly women, receiving embroidering equipment such as wool and sewing machines. For the 40 patu families, weaving accounts for nearly half of their income while embroidery garners 30 to 40 percent of a family’s income.