Production and Preservation of Local Crafts: A Panacea for Income Generation andTourism Development in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study analyzed local craft production and preservation made from raffia for tourism development in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The study is on production and preservation of local crafts. A panacea for income generation and tourism development.   The people of Annang Communities have developed exceptional skills in transforming raffia fibers into shoes, footmats, handbags and numerous articles of fashion. Primary data were collected using well structured questionnaire from four hundred and thirty- seven respondents selected through a multi-stage sampling technique.Three objectives and three research questions were formulated to guide the   study. The instrument were   face validated by three research experts  and A  coefficient of reliability  was established using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Method(PPMC) which yielded a coefficient of 0.8 confirmed that the instrument is reliable.   Data were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics,4-point rating scale and multiple regression model to test the two hypotheses. The result showed that   null hypotheses were   rejected while the alternative hypotheses was accepted . The result further showed the mean rating of traditional craft that should be preserved as Raffia Sandals (S=3.43), Raffia Wall Mat (S=2.83), Raffia Wallet (S=3.60), and Raffia foot Mat(T=3.22) respectively. Findings further showed that fashion, religious believe, model legal system, packaging & western education, influences the appreciation of local crafts products respectively. Findings also showed that tourism development contribute to Revenue, Tax,  Foreign  exchange  and  Employment  respectively. There is  need  to  embrace  proper preservation and documentation of traditional crafts which would enhance sustainable development.