Gender and Age group

A total of 46% of MEs are male and 54 are female. The average (Mean±SD) age of the MEs was 37.48±8.6 years. MEs’ age can be distributed into four groups. A large portion of MEs, 45.2 percent are found in the age group of 31-40 years while only 7.7% MEs are found in the age group 51-60.

The targeted Loom ME is being operated for 11±5 years (Mean ± SD) in the project area. Whereas, the value chain actor is being operated for 9± 4 years.

Household Size and Income

The targeted MEs household size can be categorized into two groups one is 3-7 and another one is 8-12. The baseline survey found 84% ME household size was in between 3-7, while 16% was 8-12. The average household size of Loom ME is 6±2, whereas supply chain HH size is 5±1 (Mean±SD). On the other hand, both the Loom and Value Chain MEs HH earning member’s average is 2.

The average monthly household income of targeted loom sector MEs is BDT 55990±85369 (Mean±SD). Whereas the monthly household income of targeted value chain actors is BDT 23868±14134 (Mean±SD). However, the targeted MEs monthly income is BDT 31659±26773 and the targeted value chain MEs monthly income is BDT 19000±10505.

Education

The majority of MEs (38%) have no formal education who are able to write names and read numeric figures only. However, 32% of MEs have completed primary-level education. A significant percentage of MEs (22%) had completed their High School education level. Only 6% of targeted MEs have passed either SSC or HSC examination.

Structure of MEs

Generally, there are two types of ownership among our targeted MEs (own infrastructure and rental) among the targeted ME where 75% loom factory premises were owned by the targeted loom MEs and 17% of enterprise under value chain. Only 7.77% of total targeted MEs are operating on a rental basis. Regarding the ownership of targeted loom and its value chain actors, MEs are owned by males (53% and 11% respectively), whereas, 30% of loom enterprises and 7% of value chain actors MEs areown by females. Although male family members of these owners, especially husbands or sons played a key role in managing the enterprise.

Product Diversity and Worker Distribution

Both male and female workers are involved in the surveyed loom micro-enterprises and value chain where a total 660 workers have been recorded as permanent worker. In the targeted loom enterprises male workers are predominant where 71.26% is male and 16.52% female. While in the value chain actors 9.70 per cent is male and 2.58% is female. In the loom sector labor is 3±2.9 (Mean ±SD).

Awareness Training for Capacity Building

Among the targeted Loom MEs, approximately 12% received trainings on technical aspects like production and design. While near about 9% of value chain MEs have received various trainings (coloring, designing etc.) and 8.5% on environment and health safety trainings. In fact, no formal long term trainings on production, line management, business management and certification received by the MEs.

Monthly Income and

Expenditure

Average monthly income of targeted loom sector MEs is BDT 2, 06,094±1,89,589 (Mean±SD). While the average monthly income of value chin actors is BDT 1, 78,060±1,32,080. On the other hand, targeted loom sector MEs monthly expenditure is BDT 172255±97564 (Mean±SD) and value chain actors are BDT 72000±65908.

Investment

As per the baseline data collection survey, it has been identified that MEs were invested in purchasing machines (power looms or bobbin machines). In the surveyed loom sub-sector both new and old versions of power loom machines are using by the MEs. Most of the machines were second-hand (72%). Machines cost a maximum of 300000 to 500000 BDT for a brand new while on the second hand the price was 120000 to 200000 BDT.

Product Range

Targeted power loom MEs are mostly (41.3%) producing Swari. On the other hand, Gamcha producers are the second (20.19%). Lungi producers’ percentage is 19.23%. However, in terms of quantity Gamcha producers are on top.