Importance of Blacksmithing for Local Agriculture and Employment

TLDR

• The village of Komakundi in the Mamba Kaskazini ward has a blacksmithing tradition that has existed for over 300 years.
• Local knowledge states that blacksmithing was introduced by a woman from West Africa who taught the locals the craft.
• Leonard Ngowi, a local councilor, has witnessed blacksmithing practices since childhood, indicating its deep-rooted presence in the community.
• The Komakundi Blacksmiths group, led by Ombaristo Makundi, continues to preserve traditional skills and integrate them into the local economy.
• The blacksmithing process involves using iron-rich soil from the Pare region, which is processed with intense heat and charcoal to produce various tools.