M
Madagascar 2011
A Blessing Basket Project Review
BBP is experiencing a number of problems in Madagascar, including communication, leadership and
product quality issues. This report proposes alternative methods of communication, leadership candidates
and possible design alternatives.
Jennifer L. Engeling
MBA/MA 2012
Washington University in St. Louis
Madagascar 2011
A Blessing Basket Project Review
Communication
In addition to Madagascar, the Blessing Basket Project (BBP)
operates in Bangladesh, Ghana and Uganda; but, in none of those
places does BBP have communication issues as severe as those in
Madagascar.
The Madagascar 2011 class spent the majority of our time in
Mahabo Mananivo, an approximately 835 km drive from
Madagascar’s capital city of Antananarivo.
The Blessing
Basket Project
BBP is a non-profit
organization founded
by Theresa Wilson
that works to reduce
poverty through the
commission and
resale of locallycrafted baskets.
That far from the capital city, internet access is extremely limited,
1
and cell service can be patchy. Consequently, Blessing Basket Project staff sometimes has
tremendous difficulty reaching the Malagasy weavers.
At the Madagascar 2011 kickoff meeting in April 2011, just before our departure, BBP
founder Theresa Wilson emphasized that the communication issue is the number one
problem for BBP in Madagascar. If nothing else, she said to me, see what you can do about
that. My findings follow.1
Internet Options for Rural Madagascar
Madagascar 2011
Smart Phones
One of the simplest options for reaching Mahabo Mananivo from BBP headquarters in St.
Louis is the smart phone. Advancing mobile phone technology and expanding mobile
coverage areas allow for access to even the most remote locations. Throughout my time in
Madagascar, and over the area outlined on the map above, I was regularly able to send and
receive text messages from my iPhone 4, despite being on a U.S.-based AT&T™ plan.
3G Coverage
In order to use the internet over the smart phone, 3G mobile network coverage needs to be
available.
At the moment, only one of the three mobile providers in Madagascar has extensive 3G
coverage, but another provider claims coverage to Mahabo Mananivo is coming soon.
2
1
I discuss communication and leadership issues separately, though they are obviously related issues, and join them in my final
recommendation. My discussion of communication technologies assumes that someone at least partially versed in (or to be
trained in) technology will be operating them, because if that were not possible, there would not be a communication issue to
address.
Provider Mahabo Mananivo covered?
Orange
Coming Soon2
Telma
YES3
Airtel
NO4
As can be seen on the below coverage map, Telma has 3G coverage towers in both
Farafangana and Vangaindrano. Consequently, with the tools discussed in this report, BBP
should be able to connect with the weavers via 3G mobile internet for the smart phone or
the tablet.
Telma 3G Coverage Map, enhanced to show Mahabo Mananivo region
5
2
http://www.orange.mg/index.php?option=com_content&task=category&sectionid=6&id=807&Itemi
d=1173
3
http://www.telma.mg/images/pdf/carte_mada_090508.pdf
4
http://africa.airtel.com/madagascar/zone-de-couverture-938
5
Id.
3
Telma offers a number of smart phone plan options, should BBP choose to pursue
connectivity via the smart phone. I have highlighted the three most popular smart phones
below, though Telma offers plans with other phones. For comparison, I have also included
information for 3G mobile plans on the other networks.
3G Plans
Madagascar 2011
Telma
Cost/12 months
Internet
Blackberry
$225
Unlimited
iPhone
$275
Unlimited
Sony-Ericsson
$200
Unlimited
Orange Key 3G+wifi
$75
Unknown
Airtel
3G unavailable
3G unavailable
3G unavailable
67
Powering the Smart Phone
I was able to keep my iPhone charged for nearly two weeks – without use of the Missouri
Botanical Garden compound’s electricity – through the use of two iPhone-specific battery
saving technologies. The first, the Dexim P-Flip™ ($79.99), is an iPhone-sized foldable
battery and dock for the iPhone. It is entirely solar-powered (though it has an AC-charging
option) and can extend the iPhone’s talk time by up to 6 hours per charge. Fifteen hours of
natural sunlight exposure fully charges it, and the charge is transferred to the iPhone simply
by attaching the iPhone to the dock.8
6
4
http://www.telma.mg/particuliers/mobile/fiche_offreConnected.php
7
http://www.orange.mg/index.php?option=com_content&task=category&sectionid=35&id=927&Item
id=1322
8
http://www.dexim.net/us/products/P-F/DCA223.html
The P-Flip™ alone would be sufficient for the weavers to keep the iPhone fully charged at all
times.
9
However, an easily transportable AC-powered option is also available. The Dexim SuperJuice Power Case for iPhone 4 ($69.99) can extend the iPhone’s talk time by up to 6 hours.10
Though it is not solar-powered and must be charged and recharged via an AC-outlet, once
charged, it can be unplugged and transported anywhere while retaining the charge. When I
weighed them, the three objects together weighed 0.8 lb. and fit in one hand. Like the PFlip™, the case is sized to the iPhone, and transfers its charge once the iPhone is attached.
The holder of the case can simply plug it back in to an AC outlet whenever near a generator
or electricity to recharge it. Each time the holder of the iPhone, case and P-Flip™ is near
electricity and fully charges the 3 objects, a full 19.76 hours of talk time is created.11
DEXIM SUPER-JUICE POWER C ASE12
What does it all mean for BBP and the Mahabo Mananivo weavers? A portable, solarpowered, constant, open line of communication is possible. Because my iPhone was on a
U.S.-based plan, I chose only to use its text messaging capabilities. Internet or phone use
9
Id.
http://www.dexim.net/us/products/B-P/DCA224.html
11
http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-19512_7-20009811-233.html
12
http://www.dexim.net/us/products/B-P/DCA224.html
10
5
through the cell network would’ve cost me a small fortune in roaming charges. On a
Malagasy-based plan offering unlimited internet through the cell network, however, regular
communication should be possible and normally priced.
3G-Capable Tablet Computers
The key to proper internet usage and Skype capability via the smart phone is availability of a
3G network. As mentioned above, Orange does not currently have 3G capability in AtsimoAtsinanana, but says that 3G coverage is on the way. On Orange, the nearest locale to
Mahabo Mananivo with 3G coverage is Fianaratsoa.
Madagascar 2011
Telma, on the other hand, claims to have not only mobile coverage, but 3G+ tablet coverage
throughout Madagascar. Specifically, they state that mobile internet is available anywhere
in Madagascar, 24/7, using the Telma Net PRO 3GB plan.
13
6
13
http://www.telma.mg/particuliers/internet/fiche_details3G.php?id=27
Telma Net Pro Plan Cost Comparison14
Plan
12 month w/ Tab
24 month w/ Tab
Per month,
thereafter
500 MB
$550
$446
$25
1 GB
$500
$400
$40
3GB
$450
$359
$75
The offer is intended for use with the Samsung Galaxy Tab, a tablet computer designed to
rival Apple’s iPad. It also functions as a mobile phone via speaker phone or the wired ear
piece. It has both a front and rear camera for use with Skype and other videoconferencing
applications.15 Further, tablet computers like the Samsung Galaxy Tab can open and view
any PDF file, as well as open, view and edit Word and Excel files. Consequently, data sharing
with the Malagasy weavers could become as simple as sending emails back and forth.
An added advantage to the tablet option is the availability of language learning applications.
Both French- and English-learning applications are widely available across tablet platforms.
Theresa mentioned that the language barrier is often a hindrance to communication with
the Malagasy weavers, and these language applications could help address that by teaching
the weavers French or English, albeit slowly, on their own schedules. They could even hold
group language classes as part of their existing meetings. Further exploration of the endless
possibilities for training and teaching over the internet could be a project for future classes.
14
15
Id.
At this time, the iPad is not available directly as an option on any of the mobile networks, so it will only be
discussed briefly. However, because of the heavy iPhone focus through Telma, iPad could become an option in
the future and warranted some discussion.
7
Comparison between iPad 2 and Galaxy Tab, 2011
Pros
Cons
Samsung Galaxy Tab
Lighter
Smaller screen
Available through Telma
Smaller, less well-established app market
Apple iPad
Larger screen
Heavier
Better app support: iWork
Uncertain compatibility w/ Malagasy
telecoms
Madagascar 2011
More user-friendly
Accessories
Obviously, one of the biggest obstacles to adopting any of these advanced technologies –
without successfully obtaining outside leadership – is teaching the weavers’ leadership how
to use them. Past difficulties with removing, charging and reinserting the batteries for the
solar-powered headlamps demonstrated that some technologies may be difficult for the
weavers to understand.
However, the tablets available on the market have very few complications and often work
via touchscreen. There are no batteries to remove and reinsert, and charging via solar panel
or outlet requires only a plug-in. Additionally, both tablet options have a number of
compatible accessories that provide protection and power and boost productivity.
Protection
For iPad, Otterbox cases ($89.95) provide protection from bumps, shock, drop and dust.16
For Tab, Gumdrop cases ($59.95) provide similar protection.17 Such protection would be
indispensible to the safety and life cycle of the tablet chosen, and increase the portability of
the item.
8
16
17
http://www.otterbox.com/
http://www.gumdropcases.com/
18
19
Power
The New Trent iCruiser ($76.95) is an external battery pack that can provide up to 50
additional hours of video playback on either the iPad or Tab.20 In an area like Mahabo
Mananivo, where generated electricity is scarce, accessories like the iCruiser that extend
battery life could prove essential to ensuring a line of communication is always open and
available between BBP and the weavers.
21
Productivity
External keyboards allow easier input for document creation and editing. Depending on the
needs of BBP for its representatives in Madagascar, an external keyboard may be important
for boosting productivity and editing files. There are a number of different suppliers for both
iPad and Tab, retailing ~$70.
18
http://www.otterbox.com/iPad-2-Defender-Series-Case/APL2-IPAD2,default,pd.html?dwvar_APL2IPAD2_color=D9&start=1&cgid=ipad-2-cases
19
http://www.gumdropcases.com/drop-series-ipad-2-case.html
20
http://www.newtrent.com/Best-IPhone-IPad-Battery-Pack-p/imp1000.htm
21
Id.
9
22
23
24
25
Madagascar 2011
Apps
Additionally, both tablets offer a wide range of applications that mimic the functions of fullfledged programs on more robust desktop or laptop systems. They provide a convenient and
low-cost alternative to buying expensive programs for a full-sized computer. Both tablets
have applications available that can edit Microsoft Office documents. There also exist
numerous apps to assist with language acquisition and translation. One groundbreaking app,
SpeechTrans, is available for both iPad and Tab ($19.99) and provides real-time speech-tospeech translation.26 Though Malagasy is not available, the app could prove extremely
useful for translating English to French and back again in situations where BBP wants to
communicate between an English speaker and a French speaker.
27
Signal Boosting
Regardless of internet access portal or cell phone provider, coverage could still be a
challenge for several years to come. With one of the solutions listed below under “Power,”
we are free to explore signal boosting technology.
The Wilson Mobile Wireless Booster Kit28 ($309) claims to boost a cell’s signal twentyfivefold. Low power output is the primary cause of low signal strength, and the Wilson
booster functions by amplifying the phone’s output power. By using this amplification
22
http://www.kensington.com/kensington/us/us/s/1615/keyboard-folio-cases.aspx
http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC184
24
http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/galaxy-tab-accessories/ECR-K10AWEGSTA
25
Id.
26
http://speechtrans.com/
27
Id.
28
http://www.amazon.com/Wilson-Electronics-801213-Booster-Vehicle/dp/B0011GI950
23
10
ability, the 3G/mobile signal produced by the weavers’ communication device will become
much more consistent and reliable.
29
Satellite Internet
An alternative to everyday cellular and internet service is satellite internet. While in the past
the price of satellite-provided internet was cost-prohibitive, recently the price has come
down considerably. One company provides service for $475 in equipment, a $35 monthly
fee and $7.92/MB.30 There are two downsides, however. One is the potential to rack up a
considerable end-of-month bill if usage is not monitored carefully, and the second is that
additional equipment in the form of a laptop would be required.
Tempest Telecom Satellite Coverage
31
11
29
Id.
http://www.tempestcom.com/services/satrbgan_plans.aspx
31
Id.
30
Power
Madagascar 2011
Electronics of any kind will require consistent and convenient access to power. While the
solar options above may provide sufficient support, communication could be interrupted if
one of the devices malfunctions. Further, BBP cannot rely on MBG for uncontested
generator access and should try to establish a local source of (preferably green) power.
Several options exist, from gasoline-powered generators to large-scale wind and solar
setups. However, these require either constant energy inputs or have high startup costs and
tricky maintenance procedures. One technology lacks these additional hang-ups – pedal
power. Around for over one hundred years and used throughout the world from
Afghanistan32 to Ethiopia,33 the pedal has powered everything from computers34 to dental
tools35 to rock concerts.36
Although several pedal power options exist, they mostly consist of the same elements; a
regular adult-sized bicycle, a stand, generator, regulator, drive and gearing. These
components can be salvaged and assembled through DIY methods, or fully-assembled
turnkey solutions are available for purchase.
Convergence Tech offers the generator, cables, regulator and power-pack (a battery,
containing typical household outlets where you can plug-in appliances directly) for $1078.37
(Note: a variety of batteries would work with this system, including car batteries and the
Duracell discussed below.) Once the startup cost has been met, the unit costs nothing more
than human pedal power to provide electricity to many appliances.
32
http://www.alternative-energy-news.info/pedal-powered-laptops-afghanistan/
http://www.pedalpowergenerator.com/how-to-build-an-african-village-bicycle-generatorpedalpower-system-3rd-world-projects.htm
34
http://www.alternative-energy-news.info/pedal-powered-laptops-afghanistan/
35
http://www.pedalpowergenerator.com/how-to-build-an-african-village-bicycle-generatorpedalpower-system-3rd-world-projects.htm
36
http://www.rockthebike.com/pedal-powered-stage/
37
http://www.econvergence.net/electro.htm
33
12
38
Other systems like Rollergen39 (featured in Popular Mechanics40) dispense with the stand
and allow the bike to continue to be used for transportation, while generating power at the
same time with each trip. While these solutions are more mobile, they provide substantially
less total output.
Small-scale Solar
Small-scale solar systems also deserve a mention, and could work in concert with pedal
power. As seen above, very small-scale, lightweight solar panels can be used to charge cell
phones and other small electronics. Slightly larger panels (12 volt) can charge a battery (like
the Duracell Powerpack - $150) with integrated AC outlets. 41 A battery designed to accept a
charge from a DC cigarette lighter outlet (like the one generated and delivered by the Pedal
A Watt system above) or through an AC outlet (with solar power - $90)42 could provide an
inexpensive, versatile solution for BBP’s electricity needs.
38
Id.
http://www.rollergen.com/
40
http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/gadgets/reviews/4347282?nav=RSS20&src=syn&d
om=yah_buzz&mag=pop
41
http://www.duracellpower.com/backup-power/power-packs/powerpack-600.aspx
42
http://sunforceproducts.com/product_details.php?PRODUCT_ID=89
39
13
43
44
Recommended Equipment
Madagascar 2011
Given BBP’s current but potentially growing needs, I recommend investing in a versatile, but
simple, system consisting of a pedal power bike generator with Duracell Powerpack for
electricity needs: total cost = $815.
For connectivity, I recommend the Wilson signal booster combined with the Telmasupported Samsung Tab (16GB) and a Gumdrop protective case: initial cost = $807 and
$25/500MB/mo. for 24 months. The applications available for the Tab are sufficient for the
documents BBP will need to produce and exchange. These solutions will allow BBP to
maintain open lines of communication and provide the electricity to independently power
them.
The set up, then, would look something like this:
Boosts signal
Plug into
Powered
by
Leadership
Another problem the Blessing Basket Project has faced in Madagascar is lack of clear
leadership. BBP needs a central point of contact for the weavers in order to pass
information and ideas back and forth, but has struggled to find someone to fill the need.
14
43
44
Id.
http://www.duracellpower.com/backup-power/power-packs/powerpack-600.aspx
Interns
Recently, BBP has tried to fill the need by seeking Malagasy students studying in the St.
Louis area. Because such students are rare, my alternative proposal draws on various
graduate student internship programs run throughout the world.
For many government and NGO internships, the student is responsible for paying all costs of
the internship. Yet, the potential impact of the internship on the student’s outlook (and
resume!) drives students from the top American universities to apply, year after year. An
internship in Madagascar with BBP would give a student experience in language training,
living overseas, life in the developing world, logistics, social entrepreneurship, non-profit
operations, etc. Students would return from the internship with a wealth of knowledge and
experience rare among their peers.
Recommendation
The Blessing Basket Project should establish a year-long internship/fellowship program,
designed somewhat like the Robert Bosch Foundation Fellowship Program.
The Bosch Foundation Fellowship provides American graduate students (upon graduation)
with intensive German language training, then sends them to Germany for three
professional development seminars and two work rotations within German government
institutions and NGOs. Fellows receive a stipend.
In order to attract the highest caliber students and the highest benefit for BBP and the
weavers, the BBP “Post-Graduate Internship in Social Entrepreneurship” should seek
students following the completion of a graduate degree like an MBA, MSW or MA in a
related field like international affairs. Like the Bosch Fellowship, the program would provide
its participants with intensive language training in French and/or Malagasy, along with the
BBP-specific training necessary for completing designated responsibilities in Madagascar.
Interns would then be deployed in designated housing near the weavers. Consequently, BBP
would have highly educated, consistent points of contact on the ground at all times with the
weavers.
To establish continuity with the internship and provide interns with emotional support and
companionship, BBP should start a new intern every six months. By doing so, the established
intern can mentor the new intern over six months and fully integrate him or her into the
process. The ‘mentor’ intern would also be able to assist the ‘trainee’ intern in learning the
Malagasy language. Further, having a mentor already adjusted and established will help
15
offset the new intern’s six-month adjustment period (experienced by individuals who move
into a new cultural environment).
In order to attract the best talent, BBP should pay for the student’s airfare (which can be
costly) and expenses while in Madagascar (which, relative to annual U.S. costs of living, does
not amount to much). On the other hand, BBP could first establish the internship without
offering financial support to the intern and wait to see the composition of the applicant
pool. If it is satisfactory, BBP could absorb the benefits of the intern with only the time cost
of reviewing applications and coordinating the internship.
Madagascar 2011
BBP Costs per Intern
Item
With Financial
Support
Flight to Paris
$1,10745
$0
Flight to Antananarivo
$1,34346
$0
Transportation to Mahabo Mananivo
$504748
$0
Housing & Food
$3,64549
$0
Time to review applications, interview Varies50
Total
~$6,145
Annual, based on 2 interns
~$12,290
Without Financial Support
Varies
Sources: see footnotes, some data for illustration purposes only
45
Approximate, based on quote from www.aa.com for round-trip travel from St. Louis.
Approximate, based on quote from www.airfrance.com for round-trip travel from Paris.
47
Approximate, based on quotes from www.travelmadagascar.org about the cost of taxibus travel.
48
May also be able to arrange a ride with MBG if they are driving from Tana to Mahabo Mananivo at
that time.
49
Approximate cost ceiling, based on Table 1 (see Appendix) cost of living numbers for Antananarivo
50
Depends on # of applications, interviews and lost output of individual(s) reviewing applications.
46
16
Sample internship application materials can be found in the Appendix. A very basic, 24-page
Malagasy language primer is available through the Peace Corps.51
An Alternative Internship Method
Rather than approach the internship as a yearlong post-graduate program, BBP could also
attract top talent by working with local institutions like Washington University in St. Louis
and Saint Louis University. Together, they could try to establish the internship as a practical
fieldwork component of relevant degree programs. For example, rather than finishing the
MBA or MSW in two years, as is traditional, students could finish in 2.5 years. The student
would delay graduation by six months, and the universities could grant credits equivalent to
a semester to the student for the internship.
The timeline, with an MBA example, would look something like this:
Fall One:
Core MBA
Spring One:
2nd MBA
Semester
End of
Spring
One/May:
Begin
Internship
Spend Full
Year in
Madagascar
Summer 2:
Traditional
Internship
Fall 3: MBA
Wrap-Up &
Graduation
17
51
http://multimedia.peacecorps.gov/multimedia/audio/languagelessons/madagascar/MG_Malagasy_
Language_Lessons.pdf
Obviously any such program would require support from universities; but the arrangement
also benefits the universities by:
Providing their students with hands-on, international non-profit experience
Contributing a social entrepreneurship practicum course at a time when social
entrepreneurship is booming
Offering another ‘study abroad’-type opportunity, positioned uniquely in the developing
world
Madagascar 2011
Giving the university’s students a chance to learn one (or two!) additional languages through
both classroom methods and immersion
If the program was partnered with universities, BBP and its interns could also receive
financial support for the student from those universities, or through grants/scholarships
specific to the universities’ students.
Alternatives to Interns
Blessing Basket’s experience in Madagascar to this point has demonstrated difficulty with a
number of leadership approaches. Past attempts to use a local weaver and Peace Corps
volunteers have failed. Use of MBG staff can absorb too much of their time when MBG
responsibilities need to take precedent.
Consequently, my strong recommendation is to try the internship approach. I am confident
that there are enough high-caliber students seeking overseas – and specifically developingworld – experience that finding a steady supply of interns would be possible. Further, I
believe the two-intern, six-month rotation outlined above would hamper any turnover
problems that may develop, and would introduce each new intern to the responsibilities,
environment and language of the BBP effort in Mahabo Mananivo.
Peace Corps
18
However, if BBP’s processes do not allow for this approach, my recommendation is to try
the Peace Corps volunteers again. I do not know the details of BBP’s first attempt to use the
Peace Corps volunteers. My suggestion here, however, would be to contact Peace Corps
directly about working out a formal arrangement for Peace Corps volunteer assistance in the
BBP endeavor. Formalizing the arrangement would ensure that the volunteer was dedicated
and deliberately assigned to the BBP operation.
Weavers
Another option would be to select one of the weavers for the leadership role, and train her
in the language and business skills necessary to complete the responsibilities for BBP. BBP
could set up her selection as an annual leadership/scholarship program, providing training
to a different weaver each year. The Washington University course is lengthening both the
time commitment for the course in-classroom and the time commitment for the course on
the field in Madagascar. If future classes intend to spend greater periods of time in
Madagascar, they would be prime candidates for both expanding this idea into a full
program and delivering the training directly to the weavers.
As another way to support the weavers between orders, BBP could arrange for more
weaving training sessions with tourists/NGOs/whoever is interested. Two years ago, three
weavers held a 35-student training seminar in Farafangana for a Catholic charity that earned
them 500,000 Ar in one week. Developing, advertising for and scheduling more of these
training seminars would be another great project for future WashU Madagascar classes.
Product Quality
The last issue BBP reported having in Madagascar is with product quality. Malagasy baskets
are fraying, and their handles are often breaking. As a result, BBP customers are returning
Malagasy baskets. BBP is not comfortable selling a product that is being returned, and the
weavers report that many months pass between orders from BBP as a result.
One of the issues with handle-breakage is that the design preferred by BBP is thinner in the
handle than the baskets that the weavers use themselves. Another is that the basket design
makes the basket look like a bag or purse for carrying around many (possibly heavy) items.
Survey
To examine these issues further and get feedback from possible customers, I created a quick
survey comparing different baskets and asking follow-up questions about possible solutions
19
for the BBP product quality and order inconsistency issues. Please see the Appendix for a
copy of the survey and a summary of the results.
Results
Madagascar 2011
The survey received 56 responses across age ranges, and income and employment levels. 52
Consequently, I believe the responses give helpful feedback regarding the BBP product line,
and about possible future expansion of the products on offer.
Handles and Design
Throughout all four basket side-by-side comparisons by all 56 respondents (i.e., 224
responses), only one response reported a preference for a basket because of the thinner
handle. On the other hand, 10 responses noted a preference for a basket because of the
thicker handle.
For question 13, of the respondents who selected basket one, 3 reported selecting it
because it did not have a wooden handle. However, 5 reported selecting basket two
specifically because of its wooden handle.
Question 14’s respondents were fairly divided over whether they would prefer a storagestyle basket over the current purse-like style of the Malagasy baskets. It is important to note
here that respondents often cited their preference for the use of the existing bag style (as shown
in Question 10, basket one) as a beach, picnic or summer bag, over the more purse-like style
shown in questions 6 and 8. Consequently, BBP may be able to increase sales and decrease
product returns by ordering more of the thicker-handled, beach bag style shown below and
advertising as a “beach bag.” If it is not used daily as a purse, and considered more of a special
occasion-style bag, the wear and tear may be lessened. Additionally, if stuffed with towels and
other beach items, the average load carried by each bag may also be reduced.
20
52
See Appendix.
Furthermore, because of the small sample of respondents reporting a preference for a
design because of its thinner handle (only 1), it is unlikely that sales will decrease as a direct
result of the change in handle thickness.
Other Items
Another way for BBP to support the weavers with more frequent orders would be to request
items other than baskets. While in Mahabo Mananivo, we noted a number of different weaving
styles, including abundant woven floor and sleeping mats. By modifying the sleeping mat style
slightly or combining techniques with the basket weaving styles, the weavers could possibly
produce yoga mats, wall hangings, coasters, place mats, trivets, rugs or beach mats.
If successful, because of the flat nature of each of those products, shipping to BBP would be
simplified and less likely to cause damage to the products while in transit. Additionally, varying
the product selection from the Malagasy weavers could help stabilize and steady orders across
time, allowing the weavers to better predict their income and plan their spending.
Below, you can see the results of survey question 15: “Please check the boxes next to items
(produced by weavers in Madagascar with a style similar to that seen in the baskets above) that
you would be interested in purchasing.”
Respondents
beach mats
13
wall hangings
18
rugs
34
trivets
21
place mats
yoga mats
coasters
32
10
23
Sales Outlets
21
The survey also tried to capture each respondent’s preferences for where to purchase and
expectations for where to find Malagasy weavers’ crafts.
Respondents
Craft Store
24
Schnucks
Florist
Whole Foods
8
3
13
Target
Madagascar 2011
Online
44
36
The most important note to take away from this question is the other possible sales channels for
the baskets. While many noted an online sales outlet, only 10.2% of responses indicated Whole
Foods, a current sales outlet for BBP, as a likely place of purchase. Perhaps BBP could make
similar arrangements with some of the other outlets mentioned here, or try to raise the profile
of its online store.
Direct In-Home Sales
While conducting my research, I came across a BBP-affiliated organization for selling BBP crafts
through in-home sales consultations, similar to the popular Longaberger basket parties of the
1990s. Consequently, I included a survey question to gather consumer interest for this service.
Given the wide range of reported ages in my sample, I expected responses to the final survey
question to be divided. On the contrary, the overwhelming majority of survey participants
reported no interest in hosting an in-home “party.”
22
Respondents
14%
86%
With results slanted so heavily in one direction, BBP should carefully monitor the
profitability of its venture into in-home sales consultations, and consider ways to expand the
population of interested parties from 14%.
Recommendations
As noted above, BBP should seek to expand the current products on offer from the Malagasy
weavers, with items like place mats, coasters and trivets. These products would be easier to ship
and increase the order frequency for products from the Malagasy weavers.
They should also include more of the beach bag-style Malagasy baskets in their product line, as
preferred by the respondents in the survey, and advertise the baskets as such. Such a switch
may also have an effect on the number of products returned, by designating the bags for a
specific purpose.
BBP should also consider approaching other major sales outlets like Target about arrangements
similar to the existing one with Whole Foods (barring its exclusivity, of course), since most
respondents do not expect or prefer to purchase craft items at Whole Foods.
23
Madagascar 2011
Appendix
24
Source: http://icsc.un.org/resources/pdfs/2008/hsg/madagascar-08.pdf, March 2008
Sample Application Materials for the Blessing Basket Project
Graduate Internship in Social Entrepreneurship
25
26
Madagascar 2011
27
28
Madagascar 2011
29
30
Madagascar 2011
BBP Product Survey
31
32
Madagascar 2011
33
34
Madagascar 2011
35
Survey Results
The survey results are based on a sample size of 53 respondents.
Demographics:
Gender
45
Madagascar 2011
11
Male
Age Bracket
Mean: 30-39
50-59
23%
40-49
13%
36
Female
60+
7%
<=19
4%
20-29
38%
30-39
17%
Education Level
Graduate degree
9
Bachelor degree
20
Associate degree
2
Some college but no degree
15
High school diploma or equivalent (e.g., GED)
Less than a high school diploma
10
0
Employment Status
34
11
8
2
1
Employed, parttime
Employed, fulltime
Unemployed
Student
Retired
37
Income Level
$80,000+, 2%
$60,000 - $79,000
14%
Madagascar 2011
$40,000 - $59,000
27%
$0-$19,999
32%
$20,000 - $39,000
25%
Question 6:
Respondents
Basket Two
Basket One
42
14
Question 7:
Why basket two?
There was a clear favorite of the two baskets, and most of the responses indicated color as the
reason (39/42). No one who chose basket two noted the thinner handle over the thicker handle.
38
Of the respondents who selected basket one, 12/14 selected it for the color, but the thicker
handle was noted in a response.
Question 8:
Respondents
Basket Two
24
Basket One
32
Question 9:
Why basket one?
Generally, respondents reported a preference for basket one because of the design, colors, and
larger size. Respondents who reported a preference for basket two noted its “more refined”
style and that it looked suitable for someone older.
Question 10:
Respondents
Basket Two
Basket One
27
29
Question 11:
For both choices, users reported the color schemes and not the handles as their reasons for
making their selections.
39
Question 12:
Respondents
Basket Two
23
Basket One
33
Madagascar 2011
Question 13:
Of the respondents who selected basket one, 3 reported selecting it because it did not have a
wooden handle. Many of the other respondents reported selecting basket one because it did not
have the lemur picture. On the other hand, 5 reported selecting basket two because of the
lemur, and another 5 reported selecting basket two because of its wooden handle.
Question 14:
Would you be more or less interested in the baskets if they were more storage-style?
Respondents
Less
Equally
More
40
19
14
23
It is important to note here that respondents often cited their preference for the use of the
existing bag style as a beach, picnic or summer bag. Consequently, BBP may have a better time
specifying the bag style as a “beach bag.” If it is not used daily as a purse and considered a
special occasion-style bag, the wear and tear may be lessened. Additionally, if stuffed with
towels and other beach items, the average load carried by each bag may also be reduced.
Question 15:
Please check the boxes next to items (produced by weavers in Madagascar with a style similar to
that seen in the baskets above) that you would be interested in purchasing. Check all that apply.
Respondents
beach mats
13
wall hangings
18
rugs
34
trivets
21
place mats
yoga mats
coasters
32
10
23
Question 16:
Are there any other items you can think of that you would be interested in purchasing from the
weavers in Madagascar?
Only eight responses, and no two were exactly the same. They were: serving trays, bracelets,
hammocks, reusable grocery bags, more bowl-like baskets, plant baskets, scarves, and storage
boxes with lids.
41
Question 17:
If shopping, where would you be likely to purchase one of these items? (Check all that apply.)
Respondents
Craft Store
24
Schnucks
Florist
Whole Foods
8
3
13
Target
Madagascar 2011
Online
44
36
The most important note to take away from this question is other possible sales channels for the
baskets. Only 10.2% of responses indicated Whole Foods, a current sales outlet for BBP, as a
likely place of purchase. Perhaps BBP could make similar arrangements with some of the other
outlets mentioned here.
Question 18:
Is there anywhere not listed above that would be a convenient place for you to purchase these
items, if interested?
Twelve responses included: World Market (4), flea/farmers’ markets (3), Wal-Mart, a catalog, a
home party company, Trader Joe’s and Pier One
42
Question 19:
Would you be interested in hosting a "party" for an in-home sales representative for these
items, if such a service were available and you knew the profits would go to the weavers in
Madagascar?
Respondents
14%
86%
43
Future Projects
Potential future WashU class projects could include:



Madagascar 2011

44
Installing the proposed communication system as outlined above
Training a weaver leader, and developing a program to choose a new weaver each year
for the training
Once an internet connection is established based on the recommendations in this
report, further explore the endless possibilities for training and teaching over the
internet – both for the weavers and for the schools
Engineering corps – install pedal power generators at schools
Ongoing personal projects include:


-
Development of a micro crop insurance company/non-profit
Development of a small-scale wind power energy company/non-profit
Due to the scale of this report, personal obligations and time constraints, I was unable
to complete an equivalent report on the topic of my personal projects. However, I will
continue to update interested parties on my accomplishments here. I also hope to
gather key insights, direction and mentors during my internship this fall with the
Economic & Scientific Affairs division (geared toward developing world environmental
and social entrepreneurial issues) of the U.S. Dept. of State Mission to the United
Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. Please feel free to contact me at jle1@wustl.edu at any
time with questions, comments, insights or advice.
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