Leather craft drives Ribeira's prosperity

13/11/2024
Leather craft drives Ribeira's prosperity
In Ribeira, a small community in Brazil's Northeast, unemployment is virtually non-existent, thanks to the Arteza Cooperative of Tanners and Leather Artisans. Established in 1998, the cooperative now supports around 400 families, providing steady employment through leather production.

Arteza has significantly expanded since its early days, increasing production from 800 to 20,000 hides per month. The cooperative's growth has boosted the local economy, leading to the development of new infrastructure, including a petrol station, shops, and a pharmacy.

A major factor in this success has been the installation of solar panels in 2018, which lowered energy costs and enabled the cooperative to increase production and improve product quality. Arteza uses natural materials for tanning, promoting sustainability in its operations.

In addition to its local sales, the cooperative has increased online sales, now accounting for up to 40% of revenue. Despite challenges such as the pandemic and rising raw material costs, the cooperative continues to thrive, contributing to the economic stability of the Ribeira community.

Credit: Carlos Müller / IPS