San Jacinto Artisan Cooperatives (Bolivar) intervention plan to improve hammock production through the articulation of SENA, the United Bolivar Artisan

Abstract

Colombians handicrafts are recognized for their designs, exotic character and quality “hand made”. Forms of organization of artisans have not permitted the development, growth and strengthening of the sector. Government institutions have been moving forward in programs to strength artisans networks in Colombia, supported by resources and involvement of higher education institutions. In 2007, SENA (Servicio Nacional de Aprendizaje, Colombia), allocated resources to qualification of craft practices and improving their production processes with the participation of Universidad Tecnologica de Bolivar (UTB), Cartagena (Colombia). The plan included the design of an intervention model for the case of the Artisans from San Jacinto (Colombia). It gave as result the design of proposals that marked improvements in their processes and their productivity, while ensuring respect for their ancestral practices. This experience is an interesting case of confrontation between tradition and innovation, with the craft vein.