Young artisans weave livelihoods in Niger
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In Tillabéri, Niger, young people are learning to make chairs and beds, earning income and supporting their families through a workshop led by Ibrahim Mahamadou.
Mahamadou has practiced this craft for over twelve years, creating furniture based on customer needs and budgets. He sells chairs for between 3,500 and 8,500 FCFA depending on the materials, and beds ranging from 20,000 to 35,000 FCFA.
The workshop, a simple structure made of millet stalks, allows the artisans to produce furniture relatively quickly, a chair can take around two hours to complete, and a bed from morning to noon. However, obtaining materials like thread and metal frames presents a financial challenge. The artisans often travel to Niamey for more affordable metal, and a dozen spools of thread cost around 4,000 FCFA.
Issa Amani Ali, an apprentice who joined in 2021, balances his work with completing his final year of studies. He believes learning a trade is a valuable way to support himself and his family, and he encourages other young people to pursue useful skills rather than relying on others. Despite facing criticism from some who devalue manual labor, Issa feels he is becoming a valuable asset to his community, earning between 3,000 and 3,500 FCFA daily.
