Fourteenth International Conference on Interdisciplinary Social Sciences

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the challenges and opportunities experienced as well as the economic benefits for prisoners engaged on weaving at Wolaita Sodo Prison. Both qualitative and quantitative research design was employed. Content and descriptive analyses were employed for qualitative and quantitative data respectively. The study population was randomly selected from male convicted prisoners engaged in weaving. Focus group discussion, observation, interviews schedule and key informant interview were conducted to collect primary data. Desk review was employed to gather secondary data. The study found out a number of challenges ranging from insufficient market network, capital and technology, raw material, competition, communication to lack of training support. The opportunities identified were institutional support to possess working premises, market demand for traditional cloths, availability of national and international events organized, and the presence of best practices of Italian Agency for Development Cooperation in Mekele and Arbaminch prisons to carry out skill and financial support. The sector contributed significantly to empower prisoners economically to suffice their financial needs.