Factors Influencing the Growth of Black Soap (Ncha-nkota) Enterprise among Communities in Abia State

1Alozie, Elsie N., 2Bassey Ekpenyong A., 3Oko, Blessing O.

Authors

1Alozie, Elsie N., 2Bassey Ekpenyong A., 3Oko, Blessing O. 1Department of Home Sciences, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike 2Institute of Public Policy and Administration, University of Calabar, Calabar. 3Department of Mass Communication, University of Nigeria, Nsukka Author

Abstract

This paper examined factors influencing black soap (ncha-nkota) enterprise in Abia state. Specifically, it determined human skills-related, economic and marketing factors influencing growth of black soap enterprise in the area of the study. It was a survey. Population was made up of women involved in black soap enterprise in the area. Questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were analysed using frequency counts, and percentages. Findings include eight human skill-related factors, including that black soap processing involves intensive labour (̅X = 4.0), lack of extension services affects scales of production (̅X = 3.9), poor educational level of producers affects the finished product (̅X =3.9), there is low level of skill acquisition in the sector (̅X = 3.4), black soap production exposes women to poor health condition (̅X = 3.7), and others. Other findings include 11 economic factors.