Allpa is an indigenous word meaning “earth” in Ayacachuan Quechua – a reminder that the stone, wood, vegetable and animal fibres with which they work are from the earth.
In 1982, a group of economists, anthropologists and sociologists from the Universidad Católica of Lima created Allpa to improve the living standards of poor handicraft producers. Allpa has operated as an alternative trading organization since 1985, representing about 2,000 families in 100 artisan groups and family workshops throughout Peru.
Many artisans are internally displaced refugees living in slums on the outskirts of major cities. Others live in villages, often located in remote mountainous or rain forest regions. For most of these people, craft production is their only source of income.
To benefit these artisans, Allpa provides technical help, product development advice, skills training, and tools and equipment. Besides marketing assistance, artisans are provided with short and mid-term loans for workshop improvements. The organization’s involvement in international and national trade…
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