GENDER AND ENTERPRENEURSHIP: EGBENDURU PRODUCTION IN UMUDURUIRE, UMUEKEBI IN ISIALAMBANO L.G.A. IMO STATE

Abstract

The act of developing an innovative idea within an organization is usually a very welcome one.Egbenduru or Palm candle is a native candle produced from the waste products after oil palmproduction. The study examines the production of this native candle in Umuduruire Umuekebicommunity in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria. The study is anchoredon two theories, Diffusion of innovation and Feminist theories. The objective of the study is toidentify the gender who are the initiators and transmitters of the innovation. Data was collectedusing both qualitative and quantitative methods. The quantitative data were presented in simplefrequency table while the qualitative data were analysis using the content analysis method. Thestudy showed that palm oil production is the main occupation of the people of that area and thatthere is joint effort in the production of palm oil. However, after palm oil production, the womencollect the waste products and use it to produce thenative candle. The study thereforerecommended among others that the production of native candle should be upgraded andencouraged as it would serve as a major engine of economic growth.