Abstract:
The decline in the production and sale of handicrafts and wood products has
substantially caused decline in the values and volumes that meets its global
demand. The endogenous theory assumes Small and Medium scale Enterprises
to be a driver of internal development. These Small and Medium-scale
enterprises are capable of serving as a pillar to the private sector in Ghana of
which the craft industry is a sector. One variable of social development is the
wellbeing of the people. Thus, the researcher was motivated to explore the
craft industry, livelihood and community wellbeing in Akuapim South
District. The emphasis was on the production level of the craft industry. The
study used interpretive paradigm with interview guides and observations
which helped to know the livelihoods (means and strategies) of the people in
the district who are craft workers. The study pointed that some crafters only
engaged in craft business as their sole source of income while others supported
it with alternative sources. The study also found out that their income gains
were dependent on the customer base. It was recommended that the Akuapim
South District Assembly and the Association Heads should re-organise their
strategies to improve their selling opportunities on international market.
