ABSTRACT

This study investigated the production and merchandising practices among entrepreneurs of beaded product in Aba North Local Government Area of Ahia State. The following research questions were articulated to ascertain the beaded products produced among entrepreneurs in Aba North, the production procedures of beaded products among entrepreneurs in Aha North Local Government Area of Abia State, constraints in the production of beaded products among entrepreneurs in Aba North Local Government Area of Ahia State Merchandising procedures among enterprenueurs of beaded products in Aba North,Local Government Abia State and the constraints in the merchandising of beaded products among entrepreneurs of beaded products in Aha North Local Government Abia State. Also hypothesis was tested to know if there is any significant difference between males and females willing to go into bead production. Descriptive survey design was used to describe the characteristics of the population or phenomenon being studied. The population of the study consisted of I 85 entrepreneurs of beaded products in Aha North Local government, Ahia State and 127 respondents were obtained. The data was analyzed with .frequency, mean, percentage with the help of Statistical Packages for Social Science (SPSS). The research work adopted purposive sampling techniques. The study identified necklaces, ear rings, belt, table mats, rings, flower vase, tissue box, among others as beaded product produced among entrepreneurs in Aba North. The study farther identified fishing line and needle, cutter and pliers, round nose, multi mandrel, knitting machine, beading loom, stone bead and sound bead as the materials and equipment used by entrepreneurs of beaded products in bead making. Inadequate finance, inadequate equipment, inadequate customer patronage, lack of skills and expertise and lack of interest by people using beaded products were identified as problems encountered by entrepreneurs of beaded product in Aha North. It was equally revealed that majority of entrepreneurs of beaded product were female, majority were at the age of 29 to 32 years and above also most of the entrepreneurs of beaded products were not educated. Furthermore, majority of the entrepreneurs of beaded products used bead patterns, mating and wired works in producing beaded product.' Considering the hypothesis tested, it was revealed that there is a significant difference between males and females willing to go into bead production. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that entrepreneurship education should be introduced in all colleges of education and other tertiary institutions where home economics is offered, this will equip the undergraduate students for labour market and enhance economic development in the country.