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Ref :P219
Title
CLOTHING AND TEXTILE FOR EXTEME EREDICATION OF
POVERTY AND HUNGER IN THE NEW MILLENIUM: A WAY
FORWARD TO SELF SUFFICIENCY
Abstract
This paper examined the various ways of acquiring skills in Clothing and Textiles,
different strategies for sustaining and implementing self actualization towards
eradicating poverty and hunger through sewing, hat and bead making, fabric dyeing
and printing, knitting, embroidery works, crocheting, pattern drafty and alteration.
Country
Nigeria
Author Details
AUTHOR
Title of author
Surname
First Name
Name of Institution
Address of Institution
MRS.
FALANA
MARY
ADEYEMI COLLEGE OF EDUCATION,
ONDO
P. M. B. 520, ONDO, ONDO STATE, NIGERIA
.
donkennyng@yahoo.com.
E-mail address of author
Author biography
Nigeria Certificate in Home Economics Education 1982, B. ED. Home Economics,
1994, M.SC. Clothing and Textiles, 2000 and currently pursuing Ph.D in Clothing
and Textiles. Lecturer, ADEYEMI College of Education, ONDO. Married with
children and a widow.
Author Details
AUTHOR 2
Title of author
Surname
First Name
Name of Institution
Address of Institution
E-mail address of author
MRS.
FASAKIN
FOLARINLE
ADEYEMI COLLEGE OF EDUCATION,
ONDO
P. M. B. 520, ONDO, ONDO STATE,
NIGERIA
folarinleny@yahoo.com.
1
© 2010 MARY FALANA & FOLARINLE FASAKIN
donkennyng@yahoo.com
folarinleny@yahoo.com..
Author biography
Nigeria Certificate in Home Economics Education 1990, B. ED, 2001, Presently
pursuing M.SC. in Home Economics, Lecturer in the department of Home
Economics. ADEYEMI College of Education, ONDO. Married with children.
Category
-Home Economics
-Education
-Consumer
-Sustainable Development
Theme
-UN Millennium Development Goals
Type of Contribution
-Discussion paper
2
© 2010 MARY FALANA & FOLARINLE FASAKIN
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folarinleny@yahoo.com..
CLOTHING AND TEXTILES FOR EXTEME EREDICATION OF
POVERTY AND HUNGER IN THE NEW MILLENIUM: A WAY
FORWARD TO SELF SUFFICIENCY
Introduction
Clothing and textiles ranks with food and shelter in man’s survival in his environment. Though,
the purpose of clothing and textiles remains the same but the way of using them for boosting the
economic situation varies across nations and is adequately geared towards the development of
skills. Government policy on education for self reliance is highly pronounced in the areas of
clothing and textiles. Adepeko (2004)1, attests that “hardly can any country be actively
developed without paying obeisance to clothing”. In view of this statement, it is evident that
clothing and textiles paves the way for economic development of the family among nations. The
objectives of this paper therefore, is to examine and highlight the contribution of clothing and
textiles in developing skills that fully support the family economy so as to eradicate poverty, at
the same tine educate people on the ways of improving their knowledge of skill acquisition in
clothing, and textiles
Concept of Home Economics
Clothing and textiles is an aspect of Home Economics. According to Samson and Obiora
(1981)2, Home economics education is the study of human and material forces affecting homes
and families and the utilization of this knowledge for the benefit of mankind. Home economics
encompasses the areas of Food and nutrition, Home management and clothing and textiles.
Clothing and textiles being the core of this subject matter is a tool for family economic stability
with particular reference to eradicating poverty and hunger through skill acquisition, it cuts
across nations as most fashion galore around the world are credited to clothing.
________________________________________________________________________
1.
2.
Adepeko, Developing our Economy through the Applied Arts. The Journal of Home Economics Vol. 5
Home Economic Department, Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo. (2004). P. 51.
Samson, O. & Obiora, Introduction to the Teaching of Home Economics, Spectrum Books, Ltd., Ibadan
Nigeria (1981), p. 85.
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© 2010 MARY FALANA & FOLARINLE FASAKIN
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Clothing is anything applied to or put upon any part of the body for any purpose (Samson and
Obiora, 1981), this infers that dresses and accessories are involved. Textiles deals with the study
of fabrics in respect of sources and construction processes (Samson ibid), according to John
Picton (1988)3, who has this to say that an ignorance of textiles is an ignorance of dominant
cultural realities.
Textile and fabrics are distinguished, according to their literal meaning, textile came from
(texere) a word meaning to weave while fabric means to make, build or fabricate. Fabric is the
generic term for fibrous construction. Textile has its sources in plants, barks, cotton raffia, silk
and wool. Fiber existed long before the advent of the white men. In Nigeria, cultivation of
cotton and indigo plant as the raw material for textile production for export and local
consumption were found every where (Bolaji et al (1993)4.
Importance of Clothing and Textiles
The importance of clothing and textiles cannot be over emphasized, embedded in it are:
Historical Orientation: Shows the mode of dressing of the ages past such as the dress form of
the era of renaissance, Elizabethans time, and reflecting it to the new millennium. Nwabugo
(2004)5, notes that article of adornment ranks highest among inheritance items in Africa.
Identification purpose: This relates to a particular community, nationality, religious affiliation
and cultural traits.
Improvement of the appearance: Clothing tends to improve our good points, conceals the
figure defects and accentuates our physical appearance by adorning it.
Medium of communication: Relating to ideas about customs, culture, value and status of
people are communicated through clothing.
_______________________________________________________________________
3.
4.
5.
Picton, History Design and Craft of West Africa Woven Cloth: A paper presented at a Symposium
organized by National Museum of Africa Arts Smithsonian Institution, Washington D.C. Pp. 16 & 16.
Bolaji et al, , Diversity of Creativity in Nigeria, His Will Infro Sources Management Ltd., Ibadan, Nigeria.
Pp. 189, 195.
Nwabugo, Costume, Make up and Hair Styles as Visual Textiles, Unpublished Thesis, University of
Ibadan, 2004 p. 223.
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© 2010 MARY FALANA & FOLARINLE FASAKIN
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Costume booster: concerning the reflection of status, roles/ professional/ occupational/
festive/ceremonies, traditional and rituals and perfected by the regalia worn for these events.
Nudity control: The ability to cover the nakedness and save the body from the scrutiny of
others. The role of clothing also include behavioral value, emotional and belief, physical/
mental challenges and protection among others.
Crafts relating to clothing and textiles for economic stability and eradication of
poverty
Manipulative skills in clothing and textiles for eradicating poverty has limitless diversity, it
increases the strength of economy buoyancy, elevates income and reduces expenditure through:
Home sewing /Garment construction: An enviable economic boosting profession acquired
either through formal or informal education, the later being associated with apprenticeship
programme. Skills in home sewing are popular among people of all ages, different styles ranging
from loose and fitted garments are springing up day by day. Home makers can make progress
and get value for their job to support their family economically. Through home sewing simple
renovations can be carried out to effect partial or total reconstruction on fabrics or clothing.
According to Awosika (2003)6, partial reconstruction is the ability to make amendment on an
article while total reconstruction is effecting total change from the original shape or style of a
garment or an article.
6.
Awosika, B. I. Wardrobe Planning and Maintenance, Pat Ade Publisher Ltd., Ondo, Nigeria (2003) P.
89.
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© 2010 MARY FALANA & FOLARINLE FASAKIN
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Pattern drafting/alteration: In the past, commercial patterns found their way into different
countries (including Nigeria). Producers of these patterns marketed their products at affordable
prices. Today, these pieces of pattern envelopes are not within the reach of common people,
probably due to the sky rocketing price. As important as commercial patterns are to beginners in
their bid to learn sewing processes, it is essential that commercial patterns be made available and
at a low cost. Home makers have the opportunity of using the skills acquired in clothing to enrich
positively the economic situation of their family and eradicate poverty, with little capital and
time devoted to pattern production for use in homes and for sales to fashion houses to generate
fund for the family.
Knitting: Knitting is the art of joining a fabric by interlocking yarns in series of connected loops
either by hand or machine. Ash et al (1991)7, identified these types of knitting procedures,
domestic or hand knitting, industrial knitting and regional knitting. In any form of knitting, the
garment structure is formed as knitting progresses. The domestic hand knitting is time
consuming but it is a fruitful venture of the leisure hour of home economics family (Cesac,
1980)8. Expertise in hand knitting of small items such as children’s ware (stockings, caps, dress,
shawl etc.) earns the family substantial economic stability. Thinking of the machine made
knitting, saving a little amount constantly on the profit made from hand knitted items will pave
way for the purchase of a knitting machine, which the operation/manipulation can be learnt
without much trouble. Honestly, sky is the limit to economic stability as communities such as
schools patronize the supply of knitwear garments such as cardigans and pullover.
_______________________________________________________________________
7.
8.
Ash J. et al. Components of Dress Design, Manufacturing and Image making in the fashion Industry,
Routledge, London. New York (1991), p. 46.
Cesac, Home Economic for Secondary Schools Clothing and Tectile. Macmillan Nigerian Publishers
Ltd., Lagos. (1980). P. 175.
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Source: Claremont et al. (1987)9
Hat making: It has become a phenomenon in the society to accentuate our dressing with
headdress such as hats in their multiple variations to places like the church, wedding, formal
parties and many more. Craftsmanship expertise in hat and hair piece making will go a long
way to solve financial constrains and boost family economy. Unique magazine (2008)10,
averred that there is an array of unique hats with a rare touch of class, elegance, simplicity
and sometimes flamboyance for the daring hat lovers.
Source: Unique magazine (2008)10
____________________________________________________________________
9.
10.
Claremont et al, The Beatrix Potter Kitting Book, Penguin group, London (1987), P. 26, 95, 119.
Unique magazine, Hat Affairs Catalogue for Makers of Hats and Beaded Jewelry, Lagos (2008), Vol.
1 Issue 4, p. 2.
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© 2010 MARY FALANA & FOLARINLE FASAKIN
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Crochet work: It is a craft done with single yarn and a hook needle. Various clothing (dresses,
accessories) and household items such as table covers, arm rest, chair backs etc. are dividends of
crocheting work. A collection of a set of these items packed and labeled for sales improves the
economic standard of the family
Beading and sequinning: The art of beading and sequinning enhance the surface design of
clothing. Beads are small objects of any shape or colour and almost of hard material such as
metal, red mud, ivory, stone, glass, wood plastics and other like substances (World encyclopedia
1967)11. Cesac (1980)12, states that beads and shells have been used for self adornment from
ancient times. Sequins are made of metals, plastic, ivory or any other solid materials, they are
produced as flat objects in different shapes, and both are sources of intricate handcrafts when
applied to clothing items like dresses and accessories such as bangles, bags, shoes, necklaces
neckbands, hair bonds, and men’s cap among others.
Source: Unique Magazine (2008)13
_______________________________________________________________________
11.
12.
13.
World Encyclopedia (1967).
Cesac, Home Economic for Secondary Schools Clothing and Textile. Macmillan Nigerian Publishers
Ltd., Lagos. (1980). P. 175.
Unique magazine, Hat Affairs Catalogue for Makers of Hats and Beaded Jewelry, Lagos (2008), Vol.
1 Issue 4, p. 27.
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© 2010 MARY FALANA & FOLARINLE FASAKIN
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Clothing maintenance: Carrying out simple processes of clothing maintenance at home perhaps
solves minor problems facing homemakers at the same time prevents waste and saves money.
Household repairs such as mending of edge tear, patching and darning of weak areas are ways of
reducing cost and save money for the family to eradicate poverty
Embroidery work: It is the application of beautiful designs on fabrics using complimentary
coloured threads either on clothing, apparels or household articles, this can equally be employed
to enhance the services of a home maker in extending the strength of their family economic
buoyancy towards eradicating poverty.
Textile Surface Design/Decoration: Bolaji et al (1993)14, submits that there is subtle and
vigorous revolution in contemporary approach to textile decoration. Processes of textile
decoration include dyeing and printing techniques which can be carried out manually or
industrially in a textile industry. Fabric decoration employs mostly the resist, prints, embroidery
and appliqué (Ogunduyile, 2005)15.
Fabric Dyeing: Dyeing is the application of colour to fabrics in dye bath the application of
different colours can be achieved through various techniques such in tie /dye and batik,
application of colour can be through the indigenous dye obtained from both plants and animal
sources such a from roots, leaves, barks, flowers, nuts etc.. and from shells of animals
The
contemporary dyes come in different vibrant colours for dyeing processes.
Fabric Printing: is application of coloured paste to fabric surface through a mesh such as in
hand printing and screen printing. At the cottage level, wood and block and the screen printing
techniques are widely used..(Ogunduyile 2005)16.
________________________________________________________________________
14.
15.
16.
Bolaji et al, , Diversity of Creativity in Nigeria, His Will Infro Sources Management Ltd., Ibadan, Nigeria.
P. 215.
Ogunduyile, S. R. Cottage Textile Production: A step out of poverty. Inaugural Lecture Series 41 Delivered
at Federal University, Akure Nigeria (2005), P. 16.
Ogunduyile, S. R. Cottage Textile Production: A step out of poverty. Inaugural Lecture Series 41 Delivered
at Federal University, Akure Nigeria (2005), P. 21.
9
© 2010 MARY FALANA & FOLARINLE FASAKIN
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Source: Ogunduyile (2005)17
In any form of textile decoration patterns are introduced to fabric surface by covering parts of the
fabric to be dyed with resisting agents, the resisting agents are responsible for preventing the dye
solution from penetrating the covered areas. Simple home dyeing can be carried to renovate
faded clothes and other household articles for the purpose of brightening their surfaces, this art
can be extended to others to generate fund for the family to cob poverty.
Textile Manufacture/Weaving
Fabric/cloth is formed by mechanization of the interlacing of warp and weft yarns in the heart of
weaving process (Picton, 1988)18. Lengths of woven cloth are produced from which garments are
cut, in most parts of the world fabrics are woven from natural, man-made and synthetic fibers,
traditional weaving technique can be achieved on horizontal or vertical loom.
Among Ebira people of Benue State in Nigeria the art of weaving has been practiced mainly by
women who initially hand-spun the thread before weaving it on the vertical loom (Saliu 2004)19.
Some ethnic groups are typical of their weaving techniques, among the Yorubas of South
Western Nigerian with particular reference to “Aso-ofi”, Ebira Okene cloth, Akwete cloth of
Igbo in Imo state, the Kente cloth of the people of Ghana all of which are now back on the loom
and competing with the industrially produced textiles by all ramifications.
Source: Saliu A.R. (2004) P. 2
17. Ogunduyile, S. R. Cottage Textile Production: A step out of poverty. Inaugural Lecture Series 41 Delivered at
Federal University, Akure Nigeria (2005), P. 26.
18. Picton, History Design and Craft of West Africa Woven Cloth: A paper presented at a Symposium organized by
National Museum of Africa Arts Smithsonian Institution, Washington D.C. Pp. 16 & 17.
19. Saliu, A.R., Ebira Cloth Weaving and Decoration: Types Motifs and Function. In Nigerian
Crafts and Techniques. Nigerian Crafts Forum, Department of Industrial Design. Federal University of
Technology, Akure, Nigeria (2004) P.2
10
© 2010 MARY FALANA & FOLARINLE FASAKIN
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Every individual should strive to undergo training in local weaving for continuity in combating
poverty in the society at large, a field trip to wavers shed will enhance the craft of weaving
globally.
CONCLUSION
An analysis of job opportunities for people to improving their standard of living, boost
the economic standard and eradicate poverty has been revealed in the study.
Emphasis was placed on acquiring skills to promote self sufficiency. Suggestions were given to
how skill acquisition in clothing and textiles can be fully utilized in promoting skills among
family setting of an individual. It is believed that the level of poverty will be drastically reduced.
REFERENCES
Adepeko, E.O.(2004) Developing our Economy through the Applied Arts. The Journal of
Home Economics volume 5, Home Economics Department, Adeyemi College if
Education, Ondo, Nigeria. P.51.
Ash J. et al (1991), Components of Dress Design, Manufacturing and Image
Making in the Fashion Industry, Routledge, London New York. P.46.
Awosika, B. I. \(2003) Wardrobe Planning and Maintenance Pat Ade Publishers.
Ondo, Nigeria. P.89.
Bolaji C. et al (1993), Diversity of Creativity in Nigeria, His Will Infro Sources
Management Ltd. Ibadan, Nigeria Pp189,195 and 215.
Cesac, (1980), Home Economics for Secondary Schools Clothing and Textiles.
Macmillan Nigerian Publishers Ltd. Lagos. P.158.
Claremon et al, (1987),The Beatrix Potter Knitting Book, Penguin Group London.
Pp. 26,95 and 119.
Nwabugo J. (2004), Costume, Make Up and Hair Styles as Visual Textiles,
Unpublished Thesis, University of Ibadan. P.223.
Ogunduyile S.R.(2005), Cottage Textile Production: Astep oyut of Poverty.
An Inaugural Lecture Series 41. Delivered at the Federal University of
Technology, Akure, Nigeria P.1.
Picton J. (1988), History, Design and Craft of West Africa Strip Woven Cloth
11
© 2010 MARY FALANA & FOLARINLE FASAKIN
donkennyng@yahoo.com
folarinleny@yahoo.com..
A Paper presented at a Symposium organuxed by Natuinal Musium of
African Arts, Smithsonia Institution. Washington D.C. Pp. 16 and 17.
Saliu, A.R. (2004), Ebira Cloth Weaving and Decoration: Types Motifs and
Function. In Nigerian Crafts and Techniques. Nigerian Crafts Forum ,
Department of Industrial Design. Federal University of Technology, Akure,
Nigeria P.2
Samson O. et al (1981), Introduction to the Teaching of Home Economics, Spectrum
Books Ltd, Ibadan, Nigeria. P 85.
Hat Affairs(2008), Unique Magazine for Makers of Hats and Beaded Jewelry,
Vol.1, Issue 4. P 6 and 24.
Unique magazine (2008), Hat Affairs Catalogue for Makers of Hats and Beaded Jewelry,
Lagos. Vol. 1 Issue 4, p. 2.
12
© 2010 MARY FALANA & FOLARINLE FASAKIN