Baobab-Sisal Crafting as Livelihood Option for Women Entrepreneurs in Climate-Change affected areas

Abstract

This qualitative study explores the transformative potential of baobab-sisal crafting as a climate-resilient livelihood strategy for rural communities, with a focus on women's agency and empowerment in community-based entrepreneurship. Situated in selected villages in Manicaland Province, Zimbabwe, this research examines the intersections between creative entrepreneurship, household income, food security, and rural tourism development in the context of climate change. Employing a triangulated data collection combining in-depth interviews, participant observation, and focus group discussions (FGDs), this study engaged with nine (9) female crafters selected from the five villages in Chimanimani District, yielding insights into the complex dynamics of baobab-sisal crafting as a livelihood strategy. The findings reveal that baobab-sisal crafting enhances household income and food security, catalyzes rural tourism development, and contributes to poverty reduction and economic empowerment. Innovative value chain development for baobab-sisal products, such as mauyu/baobab mats and ‘baobab-sisal blankets,’ is identified as a critical lever for accessing local and international markets. This research contributes to the discourse on community-based creative entrepreneurship and sustainability as climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies, highlighting the imperative of contextualizing livelihood resilience within complex environmental, social, and economic factors. It was discovered that every year, women entrepreneurs ensure the progress of baobab-sisal trade through sustainable selective extraction of baobab barks and sisal fibers