Wild Silk Development in the North Rift Region of Kenya

Abstract

The North Rift of Kenya Is a marginalized region where natural resources are under-utilized due to lack of technologies, market access and transportation. The Cabesi Project (from Camels, Bees and Silk) started in 2004 under lcipe's Commercial Insect Program. The camel program offered courses in camel husbandry and - health, and training for using camels for transportation. And in connection with ASAL Cabesi was able to increase the camel population by 30 animals. Cabesi provides since 2008 the complete infrastructure from beekeeping to production and sales of various bee-products. The system includes six honey collection centers in Pokot Central, West Pokot, North Pokot and Turkana Districts, and one Market Place in Kapenguria where final processing, packaging and marketing are done. The value added products are offered to customers or traders. Beside the main business of honey other products from bee's wax and Propolis have been developed and find their national and international market. Part of Cabesi Program is the introduction of technologies of Wild Silk farming and • production. Being a new venture in the North Rift, it took a bit time to be accepted as a income generating activity. But also the rearing system for the worms had to be developed in order to meet the local conditions. In lcipe several people had been trained and specialized in silk rearing and postproduction, and Cabesi is able to produce the cloth right up from the cocoons.· For better understanding of the Biology of Epiphora bauhiniae a PhD-student was offered the studies from the sponsor. This small booklet with its guide for silk rearing hopefully will enhance the production of cocoons in the North Rift, to the benefit of the local community.