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.