Kabunda Mwata, who specializes in making brooms made from wild grasses, poses for a photo in Lusaka, Zambia, on Aug. 20, 2021.Photo:Xinhua

 
In urban areas of Zambia, brooms made from wild grass are popular because they are not only affordable but also serve to remind individuals of their traditions and culture.

To this end, a number of rural inhabitants have long been engaged in the sale of varieties of wild grasses that craftsmen use to make brooms and for roofing.

A trader in wild grasses explained that the sale of wild grasses is providing sources of livelihoods for rural populations in Zambia who depend on the perennial plants to supplement their incomes.

Kabunda Mwata who specializes in making brooms made from wild grasses said the cutting of wild grass, as well as the making of brooms from the said materials, is a craft that has for a long time served as the main economic activity for him and his family.

"Trading in wild grass and making brooms is the mainstay of my family, it is something that has been passed on from generation to generation," said Mwata, a resident of Mongu, western Zambia.

Charity Chikube, a trader in the wild grass business, stands with bundles of thatching grass in Kabwe, central Zambia, on Aug. 6, 2021.Photo:Xinhua

 
The 42-year-old further revealed that he earns 50 Zambian Kwacha (about 3 U.S. dollars) for every batch of brooms he makes, with one batch consists of 10 brooms.

Charity Chikube, aged 55 years, has also been involved in the wild grass business for over 20 years and says the venture has enabled her to provide for her family's needs.

"I have managed to build a house just from selling thatching grass, which is a type of wild grass found mainly in central Zambia," revealed Chikube, who was at the time of the interview collecting stalks of grass on the outskirts of Kabwe town, central Zambia.

She observed that there is a growing demand for thatching grass in Zambia due to an increase in the number of leisure-centered businesses that prefer using wild grasses as the roofing material.

"This means more business opportunities for us dealing in special roof thatching grass," said an elated Chikube.

A wild grass reseller based in Lusaka, Zambia's capital, Solomon Chisenga said wild grasses have continued to provide sources of livelihood for many rural people and enterprising individuals.

"Wild grasses are perennial and readily available. People from rural areas should now seize opportunities presented by the ever-growing demand for roofing materials made from wild grass found in some parts of the country," the 35-year-old Chisenga said.