The growing popularity of traditional handwoven mats is highlighting how indigenous skills can support environmental conservation while creating sustainable livelihoods, former Speaker of Parliament and Uyole Member of Parliament Dr Tulia Ackson has said.
Speaking during a visit to veteran mat weaver Enelesta Pili at her home in Isengo Street, Iyela Ward, Mbeya City, on July 10, 2026, Dr Tulia said products made from natural materials offer an environmentally sustainable alternative to synthetic household items whose disposal contributes to pollution.
She praised Ms Pili for preserving a traditional craft that not only generates income but also promotes the use of biodegradable products.
"As she weaves these mats, she is also teaching us how to care for the environment. I encourage Tanzanians to learn these skills and embrace products made from natural materials because they help protect our environment for future generations," Dr Tulia said.
She noted that while plastic mats have become increasingly common, they are slow to decompose after disposal, unlike mats woven from natural fibres, which break down naturally and return to the soil.
For Ms Pili, mat weaving has been more than a source of income. She said the craft has enabled her to champion environmentally friendly products while preserving a tradition that has been passed down through generations.
Her granddaughter, Getruda Kassim, said she turned to social media to showcase her grandmother's work in the hope of expanding its market and encouraging more Tanzanians to appreciate locally made products.
"I wanted more people to see my grandmother's craftsmanship, but also to remind Tanzanians that our traditional products are valuable and environmentally friendly," she said.
The online campaign attracted widespread attention after Ms Pili created a handwoven mat bearing Dr Tulia's name.
The work went viral on social media and earned the veteran artisan a TZS 1 million cash award, illustrating how digital platforms can unlock new markets for traditional crafts while reinforcing the value of sustainable local industries.
