Message-ID: <961114195222_1682040219@emout10.mail.aol.com> Date: Thu, 14 Nov 1996 19:52:23 -0500 From: Joel Patenaude <mailto:JPatenaude@AOL.COM> Subject: AFRICAN POTTERY To: Multiple recipients of list DEVEL-L <mailto:DEVEL-L@AMERICAN.EDU>
SEARCH FOR RESEARCH AND/OR DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS INVOLVING THE POTTERY SECTOR IN AFRICAWe are seeking information about the pottery industry in Africa for a private sector import development project in the USA.
Our Project Our project seeks to identify sources of traditional pottery for import and resale in the US market and to determine any business development steps needed on the part of the potters to facilitate this trade. If necessary and appropriate, the project might invest to develop potters' export capacity. Our goals are to develop a successful line of traditional pottery and to develop trade links with traditional potters.
Past efforts to import this traditional pottery has been limited to art and handicrafts dealers and religious organizations. While individual efforts have enjoyed some success, we believe the overall economic impact could be increased by addressing a larger audience. There has never been an effort to bring these products to the much larger US pottery market, which could substantially increase volume. This is our goal.
The Issues We have identified traditional potters in many corners of Africa. All operate with some degree of economic success within their communities. There are issues common to many of these traditional potters which present difficulties in extending their markets internationally. These include:
Firing - Traditional pots are fired at a low temperature. They are essentially baked in a wood fire, rather than in a modern, high-temperature kiln. This technique results in fragile pieces, which do not travel well.
Packing & Transport - Few potters have the capacity to undertake export-quality packing, a necessary step to minimize breakage. As a result, any interested exporter must find others to take responsibility for packing and transport to a close-by port. This increases complexity and cost.
Quality Control - International standards require a degree of consistency and this is not the custom among traditional potters. While some variation is inevitable, even desirable, a degree of consistency is necessary and a level of quality must be maintained for a successful, sustained export effort.
Part-Time Nature of Business - Many potters work part time as they often have other responsibilities. During rainy months, pottery is seldom made. This interrupts supply, making it difficult to maintain market interest.
Communication - Many potters live and work in rural areas where the only practical communication is a face-to-face meeting. This interferes with normal modern business operations, where contact with suppliers is essential.
Our Request We are interested in any information that might exist on past or present development projects focused on the traditional pottery sector in Africa or in research into the economic effects of this group of businesses.
We would be interested in any efforts and experiences with making improvements in a potter's business. This might include technical improvements to improve firing, the addition of packing or transport capabilities, and/or quality control methods. It might also include the development of partner businesses or organizations to serve as a potter's export arm.
We would also be interested in any research efforts that may have been made to quantify the size and economic effect of the traditional pottery sector.
We would also be interested in any experiences with improving communication with individuals in rural parts of Africa.
Finally we are also seeking additional potential suppliers - potters (names, contact info, etc.) or exporters.
We would very much appreciate ANY efforts you might offer to share your experiences. Thank you in advance.
Please reply to mailto:jpatenaude@aol.com