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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Survival of Cottage Industries in Africa: The Case of Clustering and Social Networks in Tanzanian Garment Industries
Authors:Kristiansen, SteinISNI
Mbwambo, AndrewISNI
Year:2003
Periodical:Journal of Contemporary African Studies
Volume:21
Issue:3
Period:September
Pages:365-382
Language:English
Geographic term:Tanzania
Subjects:social networks
small enterprises
clothing industry
Development and Technology
Economics and Trade
Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups)
External links:https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/0258900032000142428
http://ejournals.ebsco.com/direct.asp?ArticleID=VRUK0KM4URT4XNJW9NLY
Abstract:Structural adjustment has contributed to the creation of freer markets for goods and has thereby had an impact on entrepreneurial endeavour. However, small-scale entrepreneurs and cottage industries in peripheral areas are easily marginalized in open competition with foreign investors and centrally located businesses. It has been arguued that the main problem for cottage industries in developing countries is not their small size but their isolation. Clustering of enterprises has been advocated as a strategy to overcome isolation. This article examines why clustering and social networks are not more extensively used by small-scale industries in Africa to improve their competitive strength. The data were collected from cottage garment industries in two towns in Tanzania - Tanga and Iringa. The article demonstrates that while there is a lack of awareness of the advantages of joint action and networking, the absence of efficient judicial infrastructure, physical immobility, and limited group solidarity and cohesion are other reasons for not using local potential. Bibliogr., note. [ASC Leiden abstract]
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