The role of the gusii soapstone industry in promoting sustainable livelihoods: a historical perspective

The role of the gusii soapstone industry in promoting sustainable livelihoods: a historical perspective

Blog Article

Soapstone production in the Gusii region is one of the oldest viking k2 slide gate operator traditional handcraft industries in Kenya.The history of the industry dates back hundreds and perhaps even thousands of years.Initially made as traditional handcraft for local use over the years, the products have been transformed into tourist items that are sold to both domestic and international tourists.Currently, the soapstone handcraft products have become part of the milieu of the Kenyan tourism industry, and are sold in major handcraft shops all over the world.The aim of this paper was twofold: first, to provide an historical analysis on the transformation sansamp rack of the soapstone carvings from items that had majorly utility value to handicraft attractions that are sold to tourists; second, to examine the role of the industry in promoting sustainable livelihood among the people of Tabaka in the Gusii region.

Data for this study was acquired through in depth conversational interview schedules with selected soapstone producers, conversations with key informants and also via field observations.The research provides some useful recommendations that can guide policy formation for the sustainable development of the soapstone industry.