A twelve-member cooperative for potters, Potérie Locale de Gatagara, in Nyanza District has appealed for support to acquire advanced tools to produce standard ceramic products.

That a cooperative accredited four years ago only has 12 members means the country should reflect deeply. But all is not lost. Just like the government last year took a decision to support local leather industry by increasing taxes on imported leather products – such as second-hand shoes, belts and bags – the pottery sector too needs more attention.

There is a lot for the sector to realise. The best way to give the peasant self-reliance and the dignity they crave for is not by advancing the ideals of white collar jobs to them, but dignifying the same lay activities they engage in.

Although Technical and Vocational Education and Training already caters for a lot of such hands-on skills training – giving them a salient place in the socio-economic transformation of the country –, going by the wishes of potters, there is more to be done.

Why should everyone care about the local ceramics industry?

Besides the obvious economic value, as in direct employment and tourism, pottery defines cultural heritage. For instance, it’s easy to tell historical aspects of social groupings by looking at ceramics and pottery. You can tell how Egyptians or Israelites of thousands of years ago lived from their ancient ceramics.

Through such unique characters as patterns and designs inscribed on ceramics, it defines and promotes cultural identity as one can tell what originates from Rwanda apart from what is coming from, say, China. Pottery also accentuates designs in both environments and other social settings as well as in homes.

But despite such array of significance, the industry is almost a forgotten. Despite the industry gradually picking up in recent years, potters lack enough clientele (limited to mainly tourists), face difficulties in accessing the market and continue to rely on rudimentary machinery.

Stakeholders should consider promoting the activity by encouraging locals into buying the valuable pieces and equip potters with modern tools. Cooperatives need to be supported and accorded access to loans to develop the industry.