The Role of Material Research in Product Development and Sustainability of Handicraft Industries in Kenya

Abstract

There is little in-depth research that can assist the informal handcraft sector in Kenya in using use material exploration as a catalyst in the design of diverse innovative products. This paper therefore explores how product development and material knowledge is undertaken within the context of the Kenya’s informal handcraft sector. The paper investigates bone and horn carving industries in Kibera, Kenya as case studies into the role of material research towards vertical growth of the industry’s products as well as sustainable development of the industry. The paper investigates bone and horn carving industries in Kibera, Kenya as case studies into the role of material research towards vertical growth of the industry’s products as well as sustainable development of the industry.