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A Phenomenological and Rapid Rural Appraisal of Women Artisan Cooperatives in Sub-Saharan Africa
Abstract
Empowering women in developing countries has largely focused upon agriculture with other sectors needing further development and insight. Previous research indicated the need to study the role of artisan cooperatives on women to develop the potential of lone artisans. The artisan sector is fragmented and underdeveloped. Social capital theory was used to frame this study to understand the economic gain from social assets the artisan cooperatives provide. This study uses both phenomenological and rapid rural appraisal techniques to describe the impact of artisan cooperatives on women in the Sub-Saharan Africa region. These studies identified themes that impacted the artisans through cooperatives and the changes they experienced. Themes included the structure of the cooperatives, key partnerships, and overall changes the women experienced from participation in the cooperative. The changes the women experienced included changes in self, finances, family dynamics, community, diet, and concerns. Recommendations for researchers include investigating the current artisan industry globally, analyzing institutions in which cooperatives empower women, and determining the source of artisan goods. Practitioners need to connect cooperatives to digital platforms and consumers to the products for ethical and sustainable practices.
Citation
Brogan, Garrett Scott (2022). A Phenomenological and Rapid Rural Appraisal of Women Artisan Cooperatives in Sub-Saharan Africa. Master's thesis, Texas A&M University. Available electronically from https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /197786.