Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess current status of post-harvest handling, processing and marketing of sisal fibres and crafts in the Shiselweni district of Swaziland. A variety of natural fibre based products are made in Swaziland using Agave sisalana for the local market and for export. However, there is limited information pertaining to post-harvest handling, processing and dyeing of plant fibres in the Shiselweni region of Swaziland. A qualitative and quantitative study using the Participatory Rural Appraisals (PRAs) approach and questionnaires was carried out with two groups of participants from two parts of the Shiselweni region. Information gathered was analyzed, to capture the background of the participants, evaluate their methods of fibre harvesting, extraction, spinning, weaving and dyeing and to document challenges faced by the participants. The findings revealed that the sisal trade was dominated by women. The women used skills passed from generation to generation and generated profits in the business until the demand for natural fibres decreased. Fifty two percent of the women from Lavumisa were no longer satisfied with the returns of their trade, while 80% in Nhlangano felt the same way. However, both groups felt that working with sisal had improved their household food security to a certain extent. Further findings revealed that there was a great need to train the concerned women in product development, marketing skills, environmental conservation and entrepreneurship.

Keywords:

Conservation, climate change, market, plant fibres, product development, rural communities,

References

Competing interests

The authors have no competing interests.

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Copyright

The authors have no competing interests.