Economic Impact of Blacksmithing on Local Communities

TLDR

• The blacksmithing activity in Komakundi village, North Mamba Ward, has been a cultural heritage and source of employment for over 300 years.
• The skill of iron forging was introduced to the locals by a woman from West Africa who sought refuge in the area.
• Leonard Ngowi, a local councilor, states that blacksmithing has been a continuous practice passed down through generations.
• The Komakundi Blacksmiths group, led by Ombaristo Makundi, plays a crucial role in preserving traditional knowledge and contributing to the local economy.
• The production process involves using iron-rich soil from the Pare region, which is processed with intense fire and charcoal to create various tools.