| Current Projects |
| Product Design |
| Market Development |
| Technology |
| Consultancy Service |
| Interior Design |
| Fairs and Exhibitions |
| Export |
| Other Activities |
Activities
ATAG TRADE NETWORK
An ATAG Trade Network of producers and exporters has been established as an effective linkage between producers and buyers. This enables producers concentrate on production, whilst the local exporters can focus on export activities.
The Network program also enables local businessmen to contact producers and visiting buyers. Network meetings with buyers and experts provide ATAG, the producer and the exporter with a first-hand opportunity to test the market and conduct other relevant market intelligence. Apart from the Trade Network, ATAG has a lot of training (and other) programs with producers, exporters and other stakeholders in the handicraft industry held in focus groups and on an individual basis.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT PROGRAMS
ATAG has plans of extending its work in Environmental Protection The Handicraft Industry, with activities such as wood carving, cane work and a few others have had some negative impact on the environment. A few years ago, ATAG realized the environmental threat and has been working on developing afforestation programs, especially in the woodlots in areas where artisans use a lot of wood. ATAG has also encouraged the growing of cane and straw among other natural raw materials used in handicraft production.
As ATAG plans an expansion of its activities, it has become clear that a conscious and more proactive effort needs to be put into environmental programs in order to achieve remarkable levels in its work towards the sustainability of the environment and the Handicraft Industry. ATAG will be working with other governmental and non-governmental organizations to draw programs targeting specific environmental needs of the communities in particular, and the handicraft industry as a whole.
MONITORING AND EVALUATION
Quarterly performance reports based on monthly field and other relevant reports are prepared by ATAG. This serves as a useful tool in its monitoring and evaluation exercises.
ATAG's Monitoring and Evaluation procedures include formal internal and external evaluation reports on an established schedule (Baseline, Mid-term and Final Project evaluation), as well as on-going monitoring and review.
Data related to project trainees, participants, employment creation, new business, expansion of existing businesses assisted by the project, export sales and any other information useful to monitoring and evaluation is gathered by ATAG. ATAG also collects qualitative information as part of the monitoring and evaluation process in meeting the objectives and project strategies and measuring their appropriateness. ATAG adheres to approved financial management procedures. Yearly audits of ATAG accounts are conducted by ATAG and donor auditors. Independent consultants are contracted to do periodic assessment of the organization's work.
ATAG RESOURCE & RESEARCH UNIT
ATAG is in the process of putting together a comprehensive strategic plan for its Design, Resource and Research Unit at its Head Office in Accra. This is in response to design and information needs of all stakeholders in the handicraft industry. The well-planned Unit will have a number of sections including a Workshop, Library, Showroom, Media Lab, Consultancy, Market Information and Forum. The basis of the Design Unit is to enable design experts, both local and international to impart to and help local producers to develop new products to meet targeted markets. To a large extent, this will be done at the Unit's Workshop where visiting experts and on-site design experts will design and develop prototypes, which will then be sent to the producers' workshops.
An Internet Design strategy will compliment the Design Unit by providing Internet-based design work. Designers in Ghana will be able to able to exchange ideas through the Internet. This will also act as a cost-effective alternative to designer trips to Ghana since follow-up design work can be done via the Internet.
A computerized Resource and Research section will provide information sources from relevant trade journals, brochures, catalogues and other manuals pertaining to exporting procedures, contracts, expectations and responsibilities of producers, exporters and buyers. This section will therefore provide a complete database of the Ghanaian handicraft industry that will take total cognizance of the information needs of the industry.
An update on this Unit will be provided upon completion of its establishment.
