Woven wonders from water weeds and waste
Photos: From water weed to artisan accessories
From water weed to artisan accessories – In a bid to deal with the abundance of invasive water hyacinth plants clogging up local waterways, Nigerian entrepreneur Achenyo Idachaba founded MitiMeth, a startup transforming the weeds from nuisance plants to beautifully-handcrafted artisan products.
Hide Caption
1 of 8
Photos: From water weed to artisan accessories
From water weed to artisan accessories – Based in Ibadan, a city in the south-western part of the country, MitiMeth has been in business since 2011. Today, it employs seven full-time staff.
Hide Caption
2 of 8
Photos: From water weed to artisan accessories
From water weed to artisan accessories – "What we do it take an environmental problem and turn it into a win-win solution," says Idachaba. The fresh water menace is notorious for clogging up waterways as well as depleting supplies and extracting nutrients from the water.
Hide Caption
3 of 8
Photos: From water weed to artisan accessories
From water weed to artisan accessories – The water hyacinth is harvested by the MitiMeth team and sun dried for four days to two weeks, depending on the season. It is then processed into the strong fiber ropes before being woven into creative handicrafts.
Hide Caption
4 of 8
Photos: From water weed to artisan accessories
From water weed to artisan accessories – Idachaba explains: "We weave them into different types of ropes, different sizes, different patterns."
Hide Caption
5 of 8
Photos: From water weed to artisan accessories
From water weed to artisan accessories – As well as establishing her own bespoke crafts business, the 46-year-old entrepreneur was also eager to help neighboring communities with training and skills knowledge.
Hide Caption
6 of 8