ENTREPRENEURIAL ACTIVITIES OF WOMEN IN COTTAGE TEXTILE PRODUCTION IN SOUTH-WESTERN NIGERIA

Abstract

The production of textile at cottage level involves a chain of activities in the creation of wealth and job opportunities for entrepreneurs. A significant number of women in Nigeria are engaged in this industry for survival. Textiles entrepreneurship has been used to meet the demand of both the producers and the consumers. Although, textile production at cottage level involves skill development, competition, and often in high demand, it appears that there is inadequate information on the profile of women involved in the business, level of investments into the industry as well as the concern of government and other agencies in transfer of technology and enacting favourable policies towards promoting this sector of the economy. This study therefore focuses on entrepreneurial activities of women in cottage textile industry in South-Western Nigeria with a view to giving suggestions on how their skills could further be improved upon for better productivity. This would enhance their opportunities and reposition them in the subsector. The objectives of the study are to: assess the perception of women entrepreneurs in cottage textile subsector; examine the motivating factors that influence women participation in cottage textile production; assess the training needs of the female practitioners in cottage textile subsector; and examine the existing policies towards promoting women entrepreneurs in cottage textile production in South-Western Nigeria. The data required for this study was gathered through questionnaire. Inferential and descriptive statistical tools were used to analyse the data gathered from the study area in order to achieve the aim, objectives and test the hypotheses postulated. The result of the analyses showed that most women in cottage textile subsector have positive perception towards the enterprise. It was also gathered that there is a significant relationship between factors that motivate women entrepreneurs’ participation in cottage textile production and productivity. The result from field investigation established the fact that the production of textile at cottage level has always been in line with government economic development goals. Nonetheless, there is need for training among women in cottage textile subsector in order to boost productivity in the subsector. This study will assist the policy makers on issues related to women entrepreneurship activities and upgrade their empowerment opportunities in Nigeria. This outcome of this will promote the production of indigenous textiles thereby supporting government’s campaign for entrepreneurship, value re-orientation, employment generation and poverty eradication among the teeming women in the study area and Nigeria in general.