Abstract
This study investigated knowledge acquisition and transfer system among traditional crafts in Bida and Gusau towns in Northern Nigeria. Five research questions guided the study and include variables such as types of crafts practiced, sources of knowledge and skills; people involved sustainability and challenges to traditional crafts in the two towns. Case study was used with population of all traditional craftsmen in Bida and Gusau (Niger and Zamfara States) respectively. A sample size of 90 craftsmen was drawn through stratified random sampling. Descriptive statistics involving frequency counts and percentages were used to analyze the collected data. Results showed that embroidery and blacksmithing were the major crafts practiced; knowledge and skills were obtained through inheritance/initiation and that the unemployed were the major craftsmen. Other findings include ‘no alternative’ jobs as a factor that sustain traditional crafts and that limited capital was the major obstacle to traditional crafts in the two towns. The study recommended amongst others the inclusion of limitless type of crafts to various skills through formal education, vocational training, apprenticeship, etc.
 Keywords: Traditional crafts, Apprenticeship, Knowledge, Skills, Nigeria
Highlights
Africans educate their youths through a systematic and organized apprentice system
Knowledge and skills acquisition and transfer system among indigenous craftsmen is a contractual agreement undertaken by the master craftsmen and apprentice where the apprentice is trained for a prescribed work process practical experience under the supervision of the mastercraftsmen
Our indigenous communities have crafts and occupations based in the rural and semiurban settings that could still be taped and transformed into gainful employment by youths through appropriate skills acquisition and knowledge transfer system. It is against this backdrop that this study investigates knowledge and skill acquisition and transfer system among the indigenous craftsmen in Bida, Niger State and Gusau in Zamfara State
Summary
Africans educate their youths through a systematic and organized apprentice system. Knowledge and skills acquisition and transfer system among indigenous craftsmen is a contractual agreement undertaken by the master craftsmen and apprentice where the apprentice is trained for a prescribed work process practical experience under the supervision of the mastercraftsmen. It is a form of work-place learning, which enables the apprentice to have on-the-job training. Whether simple or complex, has its own system of training and educating its youth. The goal of education and the method of approach may differ from place to place, nation to nation and people to people
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