Value addition on ladies’ skirts, a case study of Soroti district in Uganda

Abstract

Value addition in the apparel sector is a critical strategy for enhancing the economic, social, and cultural worth of garments, particularly in developing countries like Uganda. This study examines value addition in ladies’ skirts in Soroti District, focusing on the processes, strategies, and factors that enable local tailors—predominantly women—to increase product value and competitiveness. The research is grounded in the Value Chain and Upgrading Theory, which provides a framework for analyzing the sequence of activities through which value is created, enhanced, and captured. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study collected data from 80 female tailors, market traders, and industry stakeholders through structured questionnaires, interviews, and field observations. The study explored the concept of value-added skirts, design approaches, the role of second-hand clothing (mivumba), and the influence of policies, programs, and emerging interventions aimed at promoting textile circularity and upgrading. Findings indicate that local tailors employ diverse strategies for value addition, including creative design, functional enhancement, upcycling of second-hand fabrics, and adoption of modern tailoring techniques. Factors such as technical skills, access to quality materials, market information, and supportive policies significantly influence the ability of tailors to add value. However, challenges such as competition from imported garments, limited capital, inadequate infrastructure, and insufficient training hinder the full realization of value-adding potential. The study concludes that value addition among women in Soroti District not only improves garment quality and market appeal but also contributes to economic empowerment, employment creation, and cultural preservation. The research recommends interventions that enhance skills development, market access, cooperative formation, and policy implementation to strengthen local tailoring enterprises. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of value addition in Uganda’s apparel sector and offer practical insights for promoting sustainable entrepreneurship and textile sector growth.