ABSTRACT
This study particularly focuses on the palm industry of Nigeria that in a sense acts as the major manufacturing niche. Palm trees of different species – such as the Raffia (Raphia hookeri) and the Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis) – are cultivated for their commercial value and are of immense benefit to the indigenous communities as they play a vital role in the development of rural economies. Agricultural and economic related activities such as Palm wine tapping, Palm oil trading and Raffia weaving within the Raffia industry are major occupations practised in Annang society located in the Palm belt of the south-south region of Nigeria. The popularity of the Raffia Palm made the town of Ikot Ekpene famous, known as 'Raffia City'. This study mainly adopts a qualitative research approach and relies on personal observations and face-to-face interviews with different stakeholders and beneficiaries. The results of this study outline that the Raffia Palm industry is playing a vital role in providing avenues for employment, poverty alleviation, sources of livelihood and the growth of mainstream industries in the rural society as identified, which leads to communal development. Yet, despite the potential of the industry, it thrives only at subsistence level, constrained by customary land ownership, primitive technology, associated health hazards, socio-economic change and poor marketing.
