Expression of A Likely Viewpoint from A Madagascan Village Elder - Case Study Example

Sisal Production in Madagascar Name: Course: Institution: Sisal Production In Madagascar Introduction Sisal, whose botanical name is Agave sisalana, is a plant type of Agave native to Southern Mexico; thereafter, it has been cultivated in many regions of the globe. However, the origin of sisal is not certain. It is used in yielding of a stiff fibre that is used in the production of a variety of products (Franckenet et al, 2012). The term sisal is commonly used to refer to either the plant itself or the fibre. Some people refer to it as ‘sisal hemp’ because in the previous centuries, hemp was the main source of fibre; however, this reference is wrong (Heale & Latif, 2009). Traditionally, sisal was used in rope and twine making and many other uses such as paper, carpets, and cloth. In the 19th century, sisal farming extended to Florida, the Caribbean islands, Brazil, Asia, and Africa. In the 2007, global sisal production was estimated to be 240 thousand tones. Brazil was the highest producer (113000 tons); Tanzania (37000); Kenya (27600 tons; Venezuela (10500 tons); Madagascar (9000 tons); China produced 40000 tons; and other countries such as South Africa, Cuba, and Haiti produced only small proportions. Sisal has played a vital role in the economy of Madagascar and has provided employment for more than 500,000 citizens (Heale & Latif, 2009). Also, it has led to social-economic development of various regions in the country that sisal is cultivated. Sisal cultivation was initially known to cause environmental deprivation, because sisal plantations were replacing indigenous forests at a high rate. The cultivation does not require the use of any chemical additives; though herbicides are applied frequently, most weeding is done by hand. Therefore, its cultivation causes less environmental degradation compared to other types of farming. The effluent for sisal industries causes severe pollution when drained in the water systems (Tommasi et al, 2014). Expression of A Likely Viewpoint from A Madagascan Village Elder Sisal plants comprise of a rosette of sword-like leaves which are not more than 2 meters long. Young leaves have got teeth-like structures along the leaves but lose them as they develop. The lifespan of the sisal plant is 7-10 years and gives rise to about 200-300 leaves which are of commercial significance. The fibres account for just a small percentage of the whole plant. Sisal is a tropical and sub-tropical plant because the cultivation requires sunshine and temperatures of above 25 degree Celsius (Franckenet et al, 2012). Traditionally, sisal has been used as the leading source for agricultural twine due to its toughness, durability, stretching capability, high affinity to dye components, and ability to resist decomposition in salt water. This traditional use is fading away due to increased competition from polypropylene (Tommasi et al, 2014). Other hay-making techniques have also been developed and other high valued sisal products have been established. Also, sisal has been used in the production of ropes, and common cordage, cheap paper, buffing cloths, dartboards, filters, wire rope cores, mattresses, carpets, and weaving. Sisal has been used in industries as strengthening agent replacing other environmental harmful substances such as asbestos and fiberglass (Tommasi et al, 2014). Sisal Plant Sisal is important forage for honey bees due to its extensive flowering period. It attracts bees during pollen shortage (Mshandete et al 2009). However, the resulting honey is dark and has a strong unlikable taste. Sisal is an agave; hence, it can be utilized in making liquor similar to tequila through distillation. Fibre extraction uses only a small proportion of the plant; the waste material is used in stock feed. Sisals mats are used as carpets in areas where they may be high traffic. The sisal carpet is incapable of developing static; hence, it does not entrap dust. For such carpets, vacuuming is the only necessary safeguarding. Fibre sealers should be applied to areas of huge spills and dry-cleaning powder is advocated for stain elimination. Sisal carpets either absorb or release humidity depending with the season. Therefore, it is discouraged in regions that receive wet spills or snow fall. Sisal may be used by itself in carpets or blended with other materials such as wool and acrylic (Mshandete et al 2009). Sisal Flowers Expression of a Likely Viewpoint from a Sisal Producer Fibre is extracted by a process referred to as decortification. It involves the crushing of the leaves followed by beating using a revolving wheel with fixed blunt knives. These knives are significant in ensuring only fibres are left behind. In large production, water is mainly used to wash away the waste part of the leave in a central decortification area. The fibre is then left to dry, brushed, and packed in bales for export. The fibres ought to be dried properly because the fibre quality and worthiness is highly dependent on the humidity content. According to research, artificial drying has been found to produce high quality grades of sisal compared to sun drying. However, some developing countries still use sunlight as the only method of drying (Franckenet et al, 2012). Sisal Sun-Drying In Madagascar, sisal is mainly grown in large scales by decortification firms. Mainly, fibre is extracted by teams utilizing portable raspadors which do not require use of water. Fibre is cleaned by brushing and when dry, fibres are straightened using comb like tools and classified into distinct grades. The low grade fibre is processed by paper manufacturers due to the high percentage in cellulose and hemicelluloses contents. The middle-grade fibre is utilized in the cordage industry for rope-making, binder twine, and balers. Ropes and twines are used in aquatic, agricultural, and other industrialized uses. Other products produced from sisal fibre include; mats, slippers, textiles, and spa goods (Heale & Latif, 2009). The waste materials form fibre production may be utilized in biogas production and production of material of pharmaceutical significance (Tommasi et al, 2014). Expression of A Likely Viewpoint From A Powerful Madagascan Politician The first commercial sisal plantings were grown in Brazil in the year 1930. Later, the cultivation spread to other countries such as Madagascar, Kenya, and Asia. Sisal cultivation began in Madagascar during the interwar period. Madagascar’s began exporting sisal in1922 when 42 tons of sisal were exported to France. By the year 1938, the export had reached 2537 tons. During the eve of World War 11, 3500 hectares were cultivated with sisal in Tulcar province. By 1940, most of the Madagascar’ decorticating industries developed their equipments; they were motivated by the high prices of sisal in France in 1940s. However, in 1952, the sisal prices dropped significantly due to increased supply and America’s innovation of a synthetic alternate. The government countered this effect by lowering export duties on sisal fibres. In the same year, a certain company in France signed a contract with Madagascar sisal farmers to buy 10000 tons of fiber at comparative higher prices (Heale & Latif, 2009). By 1959, only six sisal companies were operating in Madagascar; two major companies had collapsed. By 1960, the sisal plantations covered a total area of 16000 hectares and the total sisal production increased to 13150 tons. Production costs are hoped to reduce with increase in the sisal plantations. Recent research shows that there is an increased demand for sisal fibres of Madagascar in the globe market. This has been attributed to the lack of high quality sisal fibres in the Brazilian sisal fibre. The current highest importer of Madagascar fibre is China followed by Morocco. Reports have shown that the sisal in Madagascar is unable to meet the rapidly increasing demand. Sisal exportation plays a very significant role in the economy of Madagascar (Mshandete et al 2009). Bales of Sisal for Export Conclusion Sisal fibre scraping has been a tough task for small scale farmers in Madagascar. Scraping involves labor-intensive mechanical stripping using metal blades; it is time consuming and tiresome. Therefore, it is not a suitable method for small scale farmers commercial processing of fibre. Other small scale production includes the use of huge motorized machines that are located in major sisal growing areas. Small scale farmers ought to be motivated to venture into sisal cultivation since they play a significant role in the economy role of Madagascar (Heale & Latif, 2009). Manual Sisal Harvesting By Small Scale Farmer Therefore, i suppose the following recommendations would play a great role in the sisal industry in Madagascar. I. There should be incorporation of solar power schemes to replace the fuel operated systems. II. There ought to be development of sisal decorticating machines that have the capability to separate more than 78% of sisal husk from the fibre. III. A technological approach should be availed that will lead to creation of more job opportunities to the citizens of Madagascar. IV. The government should establish a flourishing business in the sisal fiber industries so that the market opportunity can be fully utilized. V. Cartage industries ought to be introduced in rural regions so as to encourage fully utilization of the locally available resource for economic growth. VI. There ought to be establishment of methods of utilizing the wastes from the decorticating industries; such potential uses include biogas production. VII. Household food security should be promoted in semiarid areas. VIII. Simple, easy to maintain, and comfortable decorticating machines ought to be designed. References Francken, N., Minten, B., & Swinnen, J. F. (2012). The Political Economy of Relief Aid Allocation: Evidence from Madagascar. World Development, 40(3), 486-500. Heale, J., & Latif, Z. A. (2009). Madagascar. New York: Marshall Cavendish Benchmark. Mshandete, A., Björnsson, L., Kivaisi, A., Rubindamayugi, M., & Mattiasson, B. (2009). Performance of a sisal fibre fixed-bed anaerobic digester for biogas production from sisal pulp waste. Tanzania Journal of Science, 31(2), 79-87. Tommasi, A., Júnior, L. J., Júnior, A. O., & Martins, C. (2014). Characterization Of Crop Production (Beans, Corn, Cassava, Castor Bean, Sisal) And Livestock (Cattle, Goat And Sheep) In The Territory Of Sisal (Bahia). Revista Gestão, Inovação e Tecnologias, 3(5), 056-061. Read More