Azerbaijani Yarn
The Challenge
Rural communities in Azerbaijan face significant economic challenges, with limited opportunities for both men and women. For many smallholder farmers, sheep rearing is a form of subsistence farming, yet the value of their livestock has diminished due to the lack of a viable wool market. As a member of the Ministry of Agriculture confirmed, "there are currently no working yarn factories in Azerbaijan, and the majority of wool produced in Azerbaijan is thrown away." This waste has made it difficult for shepherds to sustain their livelihoods, as their sheep are worth less without a profitable market for wool. The situation is especially concerning given that “most of the poor live in rural areas, where social conditions continue to be a major source of concern, and a large number of households remain vulnerable to poverty” (ifad.org).
Women in these rural communities face even greater challenges due to cultural constraints that often prevent them from working outside the home. With few employment opportunities that align with traditional expectations, many women remain economically dependent on their families. The shift away from wool production in favor of meat breeds has further diminished job opportunities, as “the population of Merino sheep declined significantly as the farmers shifted to rearing meat breeds. There are hardly any buyers of wool at the farmer level as the wool market is very thin, with very small volumes being traded” (openknowledge.fao.org).
Reviving Azerbaijan’s wool industry through traditional hand-spinning techniques would not only provide new income streams for shepherds and rural women but also help preserve the country’s cultural heritage. With 80% of small herders owning fewer than 50 sheep and relying on them for subsistence (openknowledge.fao.org), establishing a market for locally sourced, handspun yarn could offer a sustainable solution to the current crisis. Honoring Azerbaijan’s rich history of textile craftsmanship while fostering economic resilience in rural areas would ensure that traditional skills are passed down to future generations, strengthening both cultural identity and financial stability.
A Solution
Azerbaijani Socks aims to preserve Azerbaijan's traditional crafts by creating high-quality, handmade knitted socks and providing fair, flexible employment to women in rural areas. The products, made from premium materials, feature modernized versions of traditional designs. Azerbaijani Yarn will focus on hand-spun, 100% natural wool yarn, sourced locally to create economic opportunities for rural communities. This expansion seeks to honor the art of yarn making, revitalize a fading craft, and add value to underutilized wool resources, while contributing to sustainable, eco-friendly products that enhance the overall impact of Azerbaijani Socks.
Unlike a traditional factory, Azerbaijani Yarn will be based in a small, rural community where operations will take place in a newly built warehouse and an indoor/outdoor workspace designed to foster collaboration and a sense of community among the women. This innovative approach allows them to work together while also using the space for social gatherings and support beyond employment. Additionally, the business will include a studio apartment for eco-tourism, inviting visitors from the city to experience village life and develop a deeper appreciation for the Caucasus Mountains. By expanding into yarn production, Azerbaijani Socks will not only add value to an underutilized resource—local wool—but also revitalize a dying craft, create sustainable products, generate new jobs, and strengthen its global reputation for artisanal excellence.
Business Activities Geared Towards Providing Quality Education, Economic Growth, and Responsible Consumption:
Target 4.4 Increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship (Increase the number of youth and adults who have vocational and language skills needed to obtain employment and decent jobs.)
Target 8.3 Promote and support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to financial services.
8.5 Promote full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
Target 12.1 Promote the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources (adapted from target 12.1).
Measured by:
Number of workers being trained each quarter in relevant spinning skills?
Number of youth attending community skills programs each quarter?
Number of full-time, part-time, and/or temporary workers employed each quarter receiving a local living wage or higher.
Show how much money flowed to this area that would not have otherwise without the project for economic growth, list the quarterly expenses (including salaries but not your own).
Number of women employed each quarter?
How many skeins of yarns were produced each quarter? (GOAL 2026) Please list steps taken to produce yarn.
How much was spent on purchasing fleeces each quarter? (SPRING/FALL)
How many kilos were purchased of fleeces each quarter?
Number of Community events held each quarter?
Number of individuals who attended community events each quarter?
Units of the socks produced using our (Bibi and Xala) each quarter. (GOAL 2026)
Fleece purchase to usable wool reduction rate each quarter. (Weight of usable wool after washing and prepping)
How many different shepherds was the fleece purchased from each quarter? (SPRING/FALL) Number of communities impacted by the fleece purchase each quarter. (SPRING/FALL)
Azerbaijani Socks aims to preserve Azerbaijan's traditional crafts by creating high-quality, handmade knitted socks and providing fair, flexible employment to women in rural areas. The products, made from premium materials, feature modernized versions of traditional designs. Azerbaijani Yarn will focus on hand-spun, 100% natural wool yarn, sourced locally to create economic opportunities for rural communities. This expansion seeks to honor the art of yarn making, revitalize a fading craft, and add value to underutilized wool resources, while contributing to sustainable, eco-friendly products that enhance the overall impact of Azerbaijani Socks.
What Does Your Donation Go Towards?
Sheep fleece for wool production ($10 each)
Buildings (warehouse, work stations, office, ecotourism studio, resident manager’s housing)
Product development & production supplies
Ecotourism - design, build, marketing
Community Meeting space
