The Production of Artisanal Dimension Stone in Nairobi: A Factor Analytic Study

The study looked at the opportunities and constraints facing artisanal units involved in the production of dimension stone. Twenty-seven observable variables were derived from literature and developed into a questionnaire with prompts to indicate the level of their influence in the input environment of artisanal stone producer organizations. The questionnaire was administered to 148 key stakeholders involved in the production and use of dimension stone in Nairobi. Factor analysis was applied to the responses, a process that reduced the 27 variables into four underlying components that are actionable. The four underlying components that the 27 variables have been reduced to are: hostile policy environment, perceived negative impacts associated with quarrying, easily obtainable inputs, and simple and easily applicable production techniques. The study concludes that the constraints outweigh the opportunities available for these producers. Policy makers should therefore look into the four underlying components so as to enhance the enabling environment for the production of artisanal dimension stone. The study successfully applied socio-technical systems theory and factor analysis, two well-established instruments, to an informal systems phenomenon.