Chapter One: Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
Digital media has revolutionized the way individuals and businesses promote goods and services. Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube offer artisans and craft makers unprecedented opportunities to showcase their products to a global audience. Local crafts, which are rich in cultural heritage, hold significant potential for economic growth, tourism, and cultural preservation. In Igala-Mela Local Government Area, Kogi State, local crafts such as pottery, weaving, and beadwork have historically been integral to the Igala culture. However, challenges like limited market access and reduced patronage threaten the sustainability of these crafts. Digital media presents an avenue for artisans in Igala-Mela to reach broader markets, share their stories, and enhance their craft’s visibility. Studies by recent scholars emphasize the role of social media in creating a direct link between producers and consumers (Ajayi & Oladele, 2023). However, despite this potential, the adoption of digital media among local artisans in Igala-Mela remains inconsistent, often hindered by digital illiteracy, lack of infrastructure, and inadequate funding. This study explores how digital media is used to promote local crafts in Igala-Mela, identifying strategies, challenges, and opportunities.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Despite the global growth of e-commerce and digital marketing, many local artisans in Igala-Mela struggle to utilize these tools effectively. Limited knowledge of digital platforms, lack of access to affordable internet, and insufficient promotional strategies hinder the visibility and economic viability of local crafts. Furthermore, existing studies on digital media’s role in craft promotion tend to focus on urban or internationally known artisans, leaving a gap in understanding the unique experiences of rural communities like Igala-Mela. This research seeks to address this gap, exploring how artisans in Igala-Mela use digital media to promote their crafts, the challenges they face, and the untapped opportunities for growth.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
1.4 Research Questions
1.5 Research Hypothesis
1.6 Significance of the Study
This study contributes to the understanding of how digital media can be leveraged to preserve and promote cultural heritage through local crafts. It provides actionable insights for policymakers, cultural organizations, and artisans on the role of digital platforms in expanding market access. By focusing on Igala-Mela, the study highlights the specific needs and potential of rural communities, offering recommendations that can drive cultural preservation and economic empowerment. The findings also serve as a reference for future research on digital media’s impact on rural economies.
1.7 Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study is limited to Igala-Mela Local Government Area in Kogi State, focusing on artisans involved in crafts such as pottery, weaving, and beadwork. It does not include other LGAs or crafts outside the specified scope.
1.8 Operational Definition of Terms
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