Ethical fashion in Malawi - in pictures

Khama is an ethical fashion company working with local women in Kasungu, a town in Malawi. Pictured here in traditional Malawian Chitenge skirts, these women attend Khama's training workshops in tailoring and fashion production. Photograph: Mark Cocksedge

As a social enterprise operating in a developing country, the business has to constantly adapt to practical challenges. The electricity supply can be out for days or hours at a time, so Khama use foot-powered manual sewing machines to prevent stalling production. Photograph: Mark Cocksedge

Limited water supply means that the crochet group use coloured threads instead of dye. This group also works with Micro-Enterprise Africa on farming projects, making items to sell and supplement income. Photograph: Mark Cocksedge

Agogo, the oldest group member, used to be a tobacco farmer. She wanted to work with Khama as field-work was physically very demanding and meant she had to travel far away from her children and grandchildren. The Khama workshop is nearer her home, provides a more regular income and enables her to develop her own business. Photograph: Mark Cocksedge Photography

One of Khama's crochet artisans working on a project set up by Micro-Enterprise Africa in a remote village near Kasungu town, Malawi. Here, she is planting ground nuts to sell. Photograph: Mark Cocksedge

A Khama crochet group outside their home in a village near Kasungu, Malawi. Crochet is a skill passed down through generations and many are taught from an early age. Photograph: Mark Cocksedge

Jacqueline is the youngest, single Khama group member and has been with the organisation for two years. She learns a lot from the older members of the group. Photograph: Mark Cocksedge

The Khama workshop is located in a market town. Some of the Khama group used to be market traders and ex-tobacco farmers. Farming can be really challenging to earn a sustainable income, especially if you depend on the arrival of rain for your harvest. Khama uses the materials that were used to tie the leaves and tobacco bags in its crochet. Photograph: Mark Cocksedge

Agogo (pictured) is making tote bags. All Khama products are made from fabric that is locally sourced and using limited edition Malawian and Zambian prints. Photograph: Mark Cocksedge

Lizzy was always a keen tailor and found Khama when she was searching for work. She had some training before joining Khama, so she is a highly skilled team member and makes items for her own clients using the workshop in addition to Khama's commissions. Photograph: Mark Cocksedge