Small-Scale Carpentry Services for Solwezi District, Zambia

Specializing in Custom-Made Furniture, Doors, Caskets, Cabinetry, and Cutting Boards

 Sustainable Forestry Practices

Proprietor: Harrison Kipamina

Cell: +260975252348

History:

     I worked in carpentry, joinery, and timber production for over thirty years and am carrying on my family's traditional livelihood. Originally from Mufumbwe, I received training from German Technology in Zambia, where I served as District Representative on the management board. 

     I choose to work and live in a village instead of the town, where I have access to trees to create my own planks. I work mainly with Mukwa, an indigenous tree prized for finished wood products, and Rosewood. Trees are carefully selected for maturity to ensure high-quality lumber. Sustainable forestry practices are considered as my work depends on healthy forests, and I want continuation for future generations to be able to work in the carpentry business if they choose to do so.

     My plans for the future are to train youths in carpentry and pass on my carpentry knowledge and environmental consciousness. Unfortunately, the village offers very few opportunities for youth, so I would like to help change this.

Wood Products:

    Mukwa is prized for furniture, doors, and other finished wood products due to its resistance to rot and termites and its durability. Only mature trees are selected as the wood has developed into a brown color, indicating the proper wood to be used. 

     Some mature Mukwa trees are found already fallen and dried, and I also search for plots to be cleared for fields with mature Mukwa. Once the mature tree is cut down in the forest, the canopy opens to allow sunlight for the young Mukwa to flourish.