Banana trees are plentiful in Uganda's Kasese district, an area where most people make a living through subsistence farming.
Banana bounty —
Banana trees are plentiful in Uganda's Kasese district, an area where most people make a living through subsistence farming.
CNN
The plants, however, don't just produce bananas. There is another byproduct: banana fiber. Once removed from the trunk of the tree, it can be used to make a whole range of products.
Mountain community —
The plants, however, don't just produce bananas. There is another byproduct: banana fiber. Once removed from the trunk of the tree, it can be used to make a whole range of products.
WALTER ASTRADA/AFP/Getty Images/File
A group of landmine victims in Kasese have formed a co-operative association to make rope out of banana fiber and sell it for a profit.
Weaving together —
A group of landmine victims in Kasese have formed a co-operative association to make rope out of banana fiber and sell it for a profit.
CNN
Once the fibers are weaved together the co-operative sells the rope to clients in bulk.
The product —
Once the fibers are weaved together the co-operative sells the rope to clients in bulk.
CNN
One of their longest-standing customers is Evelyn Zalwango, a furniture designer based in the Ugandan capital of Kampala.
Bespoke creations —
One of their longest-standing customers is Evelyn Zalwango, a furniture designer based in the Ugandan capital of Kampala.
Evelyn Zalwango/Awaka
The designer incorporates the rope into several of her creations, including beds and chairs.
Bespoke creations —
The designer incorporates the rope into several of her creations, including beds and chairs.
Evelyn Zalwango/Awaka
Some of the men and women who now work in the co-operative used to be farmers in more mountainous areas.
New life —
Some of the men and women who now work in the co-operative used to be farmers in more mountainous areas.
CNN