Challenges and Opportunities of Handicraft Production Among Afar Women: The Case of Aysaita District

Abstract

Diversification is a matter of survival for most poor pastoralists, where as for the relatively wealthy pastoralists it is a strategy of accumulation or investment (Fiona, 2007). Both men & women pastoralists participate in income generating activities. However, their participation in income generation activities compounded with many constraints. This article explores the major challenges and opportunities of hand craft production among Afar women pastoralists. In a general term, the study employed descriptive research design. Consequently, survey questionnaire was administered for a total of 24 women pastoralist and agro pastoralist of Berga kebele.Handicraft production is an important source of income pastoralists (especially women). However, the potential of this commercial avenue has not been fully realized. Some reasons for this include; limited market, lack of storage and production areas, shortage of finance for the purchase of quality raw materials and production equipment; and lack of skills for improved production.Traditionally, handicrafts were only produced for household use and for gifts. The community has realized that tourists and other visitors are interested in buying these items and that they can generate an income. Household items, leatherwork, carpets and ropes and traditional weaponry are popular with visitors to the region. Most of the traditional handicrafts are produced using locally available palm tree leaves. The Afar mostly use brass or bronze to create jewelry.The Regional culture and tourism bureau should arrange cultural exhibitions and promote these cultural produces at federal and international levels that increase economic incomes of households and popularize their products.All stakeholders including women and Youth bureau, cooperative offices and pastoral agriculture development bureau should work in collaboration in order to create market linkage with other traders.Research Institutions and Development agents should work closely to solve raw materials shortages and make accessible for them in their locality. In general, there should urgently need to organize the producers, establish microfinance/ rural saving and lending systems and provide training on improved production techniques and to create market channels. This will secure a more stable livelihood for the Afar people. Keywords: Afar, Pastoralism, Pastoralist Handcraft, Production, Women pastoralist DOI: 10.7176/JCSD/59-01 Publication date: May 31 st 2020