Eco-Friendly Weaving Practices Among Maternal Health Workers in Tigray Region, Ethiopia: An Investigative Survey

Maternal health workers in Tigray Region, Ethiopia face significant challenges in their daily work environments, including limited access to healthcare facilities and resources. These workers often rely on traditional weaving practices as a means of income generation. A mixed-method approach was employed, including a survey of 120 respondents from nine selected maternal health centers. Data on the types and quantities of materials used were collected using structured questionnaires supplemented by semi-structured interviews for in-depth insights into participants' experiences and challenges. The findings reveal that 75% of respondents use locally sourced, organic fibers in their weaving processes, significantly reducing reliance on imported synthetic textiles. This practice not only supports local economies but also enhances the workers' environmental awareness and knowledge. Eco-friendly traditional weaving among maternal health workers is a promising strategy for sustainable livelihoods and community development. The findings highlight the need for further research to scale up these practices across other regions in Ethiopia. Policy makers should consider promoting eco-friendly weaving initiatives as part of their healthcare programmes, alongside providing access to training and market support to sustain these practices.