The use of date- palm tree fiber in the production of handicrafts
Abstract
Handicraft making is a common practice that is practiced largely by women and to a small extent
by men all over the world. The current study aimed at producing handicraft samples from date
palm tree fibres to empower women of Naluvule village through making handicraft for sale to
generate household income. The objectives of the study were; 1) to analyze which indigenous
fibre materials are used to make handicrafts among local communities, 2) to explore how women
in Naluvule village can use date- palm tree fibres as a material to make handicrafts and 3) to
produce handicraft samples from date- palm tree fibres for the women of Naluvule village. The
study employed a case study design and was carried out in Naluvule village in Wakiso district
with women who make handicraft for sale and were purposively selected. Data was collected
using in- depth interviews, observation and document analysis, then analyzed through studio
experimentation. Findings revealed that women make handcrafts from both manufactured and
indigenous materials but not date-palm tree fibres. On the other hand, studio experimentation
revealed that many handicrafts can be made from date- palm tree fibres by women of Naluvule
village. Handicraft samples were made from date- palm tree fibres. Crafts such as bags, table
mats, center carpets, wall hangings which can generate household income were produced from
successful experiments. The study recommends communities should explore their surrounding
environment for craft materials before using the imported ones. More so date palm leaves are a
good source of material for craft production.