ABSTRACT
This study entitled "An Examination of Cloth Weaving and its Socio-economic Impacts of Weaving in Ushongo Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria," is an attempt to assess and document the socio-economic impacts of weaving in Ushongo Local Government Area of Benue State. The research is necessitated by the need to survey and asses the socio-economic impacts of weaving as well as documentation of some weaving techniques, materials and products before its total extinction. Objectives of the study include: survey and identify types of looms, materials, equipment, products, techniques and functions of Anger, Agbende-a-Kurugh as well as Ivav-tyo, cloth weaving system; asses and document the high level of socio-economic, historical and cultural impacts of Anger, Agbende-a-Kurugh as well as Ivav-tyo, weaving tradition; identify the constraints associated with cloth weaving in the study area; investigate on how Anger, Agbende-a-Kurugh and Ivav-tyo, cloth weaving can be developed, improved, encouraged and promoted. Appropriate literature of empirical and conceptual nature were reviewed in line with the research topic and objectives. The descriptive survey method was adopted using the cross-sectional survey method; a population of 191, 935 (entire Ushongo population) was used while the 10% sample size of 99, respondents comprising 22 traditional weavers, 22 marketers and 55 consumers. Research instruments used were questionnaire, interview and observation. Descriptive statistical analysis was used for analyzing data. The findings of the study included: the production of Anger, Agbende-a-Kurugh and Ivav-tyo, fabrics had positively impacted on the socio-economic, historical and cultural life of the people. Thus majority of them use the fabrics as source of sustainable livelihood and income generation, cultural identity, dress accessories, celebration of achievement and enthronement; despite the shift from local materials for the production of Anger, Agbende-a-Kurugh and Ivav-tyo, woven fabrics to industrial materials, the textile industry among the Ushongo people had maintained its doggedness in preservation of the weaving equipment (vertical, horizontal loom and accessories). Major constraints associated with cloth weaving were identified among others as: lack or high cost of raw materials; lack of funding and knowledge to adopt new ideas and modern materials. It has been concluded that, as much as the production of Anger, Agbende-a-Kurugh and Ivav-tyo, fabrics had impacted quite positively on the socio-economic, historical and cultural wellbeing of Ushongo people, there are major constraints associated with cloth weaving in the area. If not checked, they are capable of strangulating the industry in totality. Recommendations for the study include among others: association of Ushongo traditional weavers should be formed and duly registered with corporate affairs commission. This will enable them to acquire credit and loan facilities from government, individuals or non-governmental organizations. The practitioners should also embrace the use of modern materials and decorated ideas for better growth, encouragement and promotion of the products.