Perception Of Contemporary Adire Producers On The Use Of Prestige fabrics For Production In Itoku, Abeokuta, Nigeria

Abstract

The use of prestige fabrics in Adire (tie-dye) production represents a significant shift in a traditionally cotton-based craft. Yet, the perception and adoption of this trend among producers remain underexplored. This study investigates the perception of contemporary Adire producers regarding the use of prestige fabrics in Itoku, Abeokuta, Nigeria, a key center for Adire production. The objectives were to determine the socio-demographic characteristics of producers, assess their knowledge of prestige fabrics, and identify the challenges they face in using these materials. A survey was conducted with 100 Adire producers in Itoku market using structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, were used for data analysis. Results showed that the majority of respondents were married females aged 41–50 years, with 89% having formal education. While 92% agreed that prestige fabrics could be used for Adire, and 81% had used them, only 64% reported that these fabrics were commonly used. Key challenges identified included high cost (62% agreed), limited availability (only 26% agreed fabrics were easily accessible), and small-scale production quantities. The study concludes that although producers are aware of prestige fabrics, their adoption is constrained by economic factors, material availability, and a lack of specialized technical knowledge regarding dye-fabric compatibility. It is recommended that governmental and nongovernmental organizations provide targeted training programs to enhance producers' skills in working with diverse fabric types and to improve access to these materials, thereby supporting the sustainability and competitiveness of handmade Adire.