Value-Addition of Sisal in Somaliland

Traditionally, Somali women make ropes out of sisal, particularly from a local species called (Sansevieria ehrenbergii), but, worldwide, its use has been increasing as its fiber is biodegradable and environmentally friendly. It is multiple uses include:
– Cordage and cottage industry (ropes, yarns, twines, bags etc.)
– Pulp and paper
– Vehicle parts and building blocks

Sisal waste is also used as animal feed, bio-energy generation, bio-fertilizers and farm yard manure.
December 2014, a team from Candlelight visited Kenya for an exposure visits to learn more about the sisal production and how it is contributing to improving the livelihoods of rural communities, particularly women.

A project on the value-addition of sisal production is being implemented by Candlelight for Environment, Education and Health with financial support from the International Solidarity Foundation, a Finnish organization operating in Somaliland. The project site is Go’da Weyn valley where Agave sislana has been introduced in the area during 1950s of the last century. The area has the largest concentration of that type of sisal in Somaliland and predominantly the biggest producing area in the country. The project activities include provision of decorticating machines to ease the extraction of fiber, twining machines, skills training on the production of different materials from sisal such as door mats (carpets), hand bags, ropes etc. The activities also include increasing the availability of sisal through plantations.