| dc.description.abstract | Handicrafts are unique expressions of a particular culture or
community through local
craftsmanship and materials. With increased globalization, however, products are
becoming more and more commoditized and artisans find their products competing
with goods from all over the world. In Kenya the production of handicraf
ts makes
significant contribution to the national economy. Many types of Kenyan handicrafts
are known around the world, but of all these crafts, basketry, wood and stone carving
may be the most famous.
A survey was carried on the
challenges facing Kariokor
market handicraft traders in accessing global market and
measures adopted by the
handicraft traders of Kariokor market
to counter these
challenges.
Data was collect
e
d
from 125 respondents, who constituted of owners of handicraft shops in Kariokor
market,
two stratum of male and female was made and 50% of the stratum
participants were picked randomly.
The study adopted a descriptive survey design.
The study finding suggested that handicraft trader face numerous challenges when
accessing the global market.
T
he ratings of the challenges on market entry measures,
networking and collaboration within the industry were rated highest.
The results
further suggested that these challenges were predominately affecting other SMEs in
accessing the global market. Unprote
cted intellectual properties, copyright systems,
patent right and trademark
, global networking connection, exchange of information
and lack of collaboration with the handicraft industry was ranked high that they
greatly impact
ed
on competitive of the hand
icraft products in the global market.
These challenges appear to have had the greatest impact on access to global market.
The research findi
n
g
s
further established that global market entry strategies are
measures to be adopted in countering the challenges
of accessing the global market.
From the results of this study, it can be concluded that challenges in accessing the
global market has impacted on the market entry strategy to be adopted by
Kenyan
handicraft traders
.
The study recommends that the role of
government in promoting
the sector in
-
terms of right policies and enabling environment should be relooked.
The traders are also urged to utilize networking systems and collaborate within the
sector players to facilitate in inclusive bargaining power, prod
uction on economies of
scale t
o meet big orders and access to information on global markets. | en_US |
