Abstract

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The growing demand for sustainable and environmentally responsible materials has renewed global interest in natural fibres such as sisal (Agave sisalana). This study empirically examines the sustainability, socio- economic, and agro-industrial potential of sisal fibre production in Cross River State, Nigeria, using an integrated analytical framework grounded in circular economy principles, the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework, and agro-industrial value chain analysis. A mixed-methods research design was adopted, combining semi-structured interviews, field observations, and secondary data to assess cultivation practices, fibre extraction methods, livelihood contributions, environmental performance, and value chain dynamics. The findings reveal that sisal cultivation in the study area is small-scale and largely informal, relying predominantly on traditional fibre extraction techniques. Despite these limitations, sisal production contributes meaningfully to income diversification, employment generation, and skill development among rural households. Environmentally, sisal exhibits strong sustainability credentials, including low water and chemical input requirements, biodegradability, soil conservation benefits, and alignment with circular economy objectives. However, the sisal value chain is fragmented, with weak downstream processing, limited mechanisation, inadequate institutional support, and poor market integration constraining its commercial viability. The study concludes that sisal fibre production holds substantial potential to support sustainable rural livelihoods, agro- industrial diversification, and environmental stewardship in Cross River State. Realising this potential will require coordinated policy interventions, technological investment, value chain development, and the integration of indigenous knowledge with modern processing systems. The findings provide empirical evidence to inform sustainable fibre development policies and contribute to natural fibre scholarship in sub-Saharan Africa.

Keywords: Sisal fibre; Sustainable textiles; Circular economy; Rural livelihoods; Agro-industrial value chain.