Practices and challenges of cultural handicraft producers and sellers in the tourism industry in Africa

Tourism has been identified by many African countries as a viable pathway to socio-economic development. The sector is rapidly growing, presenting opportunities to a number of sectors that are linked to it. The cultural handicraft sector is slated to find market from the tourism sector as tourists tend to purchase locally made handicrafts as souvenirs. Despite this opportunity, majority of cultural handicraft producers are unable to produce products that meet the expectations of international tourists. Handicraft sellers often resort to importing handicrafts, denying the local craftsmen an opportunity to earn income. This study focuses on the business practices and challenges of the cultural handicraft producers and sellers in Uganda, looking at record keeping, marketing, raw material sourcing and storage, production technology, standards and quality assurance, training and financing. Several implications and policy recommendations are provided to develop cultural handcrafts as an important part of the tourism industry.