Setting up of Cottage industries and formalization of clusters

Benefits brought about by cottage industries and other SME clusters are no secret. Apart from productive income activities, they create an environment of lower income people to take control of their lives and bring earnings into their community. Most importantly, they generate gainful non-agriculture based employment that plays a large role in improving a nation’s economic standing. In addition to general poverty alleviation, developing cottage industries is an approach that can boost the rural economy and diversify its production.

Cottage industries in East Africa, however, struggle to survive under the pressure of globalization. Their products are unable to compete with the cheap goods of efficient production. Lacking the marketing savvy to advertise their products and safeguard their interests, these entrepreneurs lose out on the global playing ground. On the flip side, globalization also opens new markets and increases demand for products of all kinds, ranging from tourism to uniquely embroidered textiles and crafts. To thrive, even in the face of globalization these industries need access to affordable finance, infrastructure, capacity to produce quality products and an easily accessible method to advertise and sell their products.

The CBiT industry cluster development program addresses all these issues; Increasing productivity of the units by 15 to 20 percent, increasing market linkages, profit margins and empowerment of women and youth artisans. Improved marketing skills, vocational training and access to raw materials. We collaborate with community service organizations and business associations to work this course.