Demand for products from small enterprises : A case study of footwear

Abstract

Small enterprises have captured the attention of scholars, organizations and governments world-wide. In developing countries, small enterprises have increasingly been the focus.of development programmes especially in terms of employment. Studies carried out on small enterprises have looked at the problems and prospects of this sector. This has resulted in an almost unanimous plea [or the promotion of these enterprises. In Kenya, attention has concentrated on the supply-side, studies have been done on the supply of credit infrastructure, training etc. No specific attention has been paid to the demand side and this has left a gap in our understanding of the sector. This study has attempted to fill that gap by analysing factors influencing .demand for one of the products of these enterprises-footwear. The study finds that education, price, styles and output aloe statistically significant in the demand for footwear from small enterprises. The study also finds there is inadequate appreciation by consumers of footwear made by small enterprises. This is aggravated by the lack of promotional activities among enterprises. Since local consumers currently constitute the largest source of demand for this product, the study recommends measures to increase awareness among consumers. The study also discusses other possible sources of demand and issues that should be considered in increasing demand.