ABSTRACT
Artisanal craft production has long been an important activity for many rural households, often complementing but at times taking precedence over agricultural activities. While this production was initially for home consumption or sale locally, increasingly handicrafts produced in rural areas have found their way to national and international markets. The potential benefits of rural industrialisation have been recognised by many national governments, especially in Asia, who see rural industry as having the potential to absorb surplus labour while reducing migratory pressure on cities (Tacoli, 2008). Thus handicraft production is being supported by national governments and manufacturing industries are being encouraged to relocate to rural areas.
