Establishing Diverse Application of “Luffa Aegyptiaca” for Functional Objects Production

Cooperating countries: Uganda and Austria

Coordinating institution: Nkumba University, Andrew Peters Yiga, andrewpyiga@nkumbauniversity.ac.ug

Partner institutions: Salzburg University of Applied Sciences, University of Applied Arts Vienna

Project duration: 1 June 2023 - 31 May 2025

Abstract:

This project focuses on establishing diverse applications of Luffa ‘Aegyptiaca’ for functional objects production. With the main purpose of producing diversified essentially functional objects from Luffa for income generation, it is believed that the plant shall be exposed as a potential material to enhance community livelihoods. 3 specific objectives guide the main purpose; 

1. Identifying how diversely Luffa has been used worldwide,
2. Exploring artistic methods of utilizing Luffa through diverse Art forms to produce functional objects for income generation,
3. Involving local community women and youth groups in practical demonstrations of producing functional objects from Luffa.

This exploratory study will employ a descriptive and practical project design. Participatory methods that include; Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), interviews, observations, documentary-reviews, consultative-meetings with key stakeholders and studio practice will effectively address research questions. Establishing the extent of worldwide usage of Luffa will involve studying existing literature supplemented by information to be obtained through interactive sessions with respondents from Uganda and Austria. Different Art Forms such as; sculpture, jewelry, graphic design shall be used to derive artistic methods to explore and utilize Luffa and hence facilitating Studio practice for production of functional objects for income generation. 

By providing potential avenues to creativity and innovation community livelihoods will be enhanced hence poverty alleviation (SDG 1), community-involvements uplift descent work and economic growth (SDG 8), production of functional objects promotes industry, innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9) hence responsible consumption and production (SDG 12) as well as creating partnerships of accessing knowledge (SDG 17).