Burkina Faso is well known as the biggest African cotton producer and exporter.  It is proud to own a strong textile heritage of handwoven cotton fabric, traditionally called Danfani. Stripes are the signature style of handwoven Burkinabe fabric.  However skillful artisans could be able to weave complex tartan and hounds-tooth fabric designs. It takes them from five to seven days to prepare the design on the loom depending on the complexity of design. Furthermore, artisans can weave on small and wide looms. The latter makes the fabric more attractive commercially since buyers could do more with this larger fabric.

In Burkina Faso, the Ethical Fashion Initiative has created a cooperative which links up several weaving ateliers. The introduction of wide looms and financing of capacity building workshop has also been central of Ethical Fashion Initiative and  brands like Stella Jean, United Arrows and Vivienne Westwood to work with artisans in this area of the world 

Many women used to weave on their own account, however many gave up because it was too difficult to sell their stock and make a living from it. Joining the weaving cooperative allows them to receive many more orders, work with others and improve their skills.

Most importantly, more orders means more income for them to take control of their lives. Clémentine, a mother of three children says that since joining the cooperative she has many more orders and “this means I earn more money which improves my life and the life of my family.” Clémentine was also recently able to purchase a motorcycle which makes her independent and helps her get from work to home.