July 2005

On India's tea plantations, women do most of the work. They pluck roving through uneven terrain, toss leaves into a woven basket on their back and carry them to the tea processing factory. It is the women's traditional role: a long and hard journey. On the Makaibari Tea Garden plantation, Fairtrade Certified since 1994, women workers are getting their voices heard. Makaibari, which literally means "Maize Land" lies in the foothills of the mighty Himalayas in Darjeeling, India. A paradisiacal location where 625 tea workers and their families live. Like on any other Fairtrade Certified Plantation, the Joint Body committee in Makaibari is responsible for monitoring and implementing all the social development programmes financed with the Fairtrade money.

In Makaibari Joint Body 10 of the 16 members are women. As global tea sales have been declining over several years, the women decided to diversify their income generating activities. After long discussions, the Makaibari Joint Body decided to invest in eco lodges (eco-tourism venture), an innovative and ambitious project, which aims to bring prosperity to the whole community. Makaibari has over 50.000 visitors a year. Many wish to stay to experience the peace and tranquillity of the commune. Hence the Makaibari Joint Body passed a resolution last year to build a small cottage to cater to groups who wish to glean a whiff of the Makaibari mystique. Fourteen double rooms at the best location are being constructed and are nearing completion. The next phase envisages the building of additional accommodation in each of the 560 households in the seven villages.

A trial at Koilapani has been very successful. Each house would be equipped to host a couple and share a meal as well as their day-to-day, for a small charge. Rs 400/- (US$ 10) for a double per day, whereas the guest house would cater to a more upscale group package at Rs 1000/- for a double with three meals included (US$ 25). Enquiries have been pouring in and it is foreseen that tea sales at the gate will also perk up as a result of the visitors. "We hope that visitors staying at Makaibari spend money on the local shops, generating new income for the whole community" explains Pratima, member of the Joint Body.