The significance of Ugandan traditional art and craft trade in promoting the economic development of households

Abstract

The study was aimed at assessing the significance of Ugandan Traditional Art and Craft Trade in promoting economic development of households. The study objectives were; to determine the effect of traditional art and crafts on the sales of income households of the traders in African village in Kampala; To establish whether jewellery making has led to savings among the traders in African village in Kampala and to determine the ways in which Woodworks has led to diversity of income generating projects in each household in African village in Kampala. The study employed a case study design approach using qualitative research paradigm to collect data from 30 (thirty) respondents using semi structured questionnaires, and interviews. The study found out that Income from handicraft sector has helped in eradicating poverty and empowering the poor traders and the sales from the business have helped the traders expand their businesses. It was also shown the use of local materials and community involvement in craft industry has enhanced sales and income of the traders. Jewellery making has helped the traders to meet their social and psychological requirements of a sustainable life, has suitable conditions which makes saving easier and that the traders have increased sales revenue from jewellery which has enhanced their savings. Additionally, wood works are effective in income generating because of fast decision making due to less staff and more control of an entrepreneur and that Wood work leads to innovation of products which cater for the needs of increased income of households. It was recommended that the traders should be empowered. Empowerment is the key to making people efficient because it makes teams happy, and if they're happy, they produce higher quality work and are more productive. The traders should also prioritize in implementing the right technologies in the industry. In today's world, where workforces are often decentralized, creating powerful communications channels is incredibly vital to individual trader success