Annotated Bibliography Tailor in Ivory Coast Abidjan –Free Word Template Download with AI

This seminal article provides a quantitative analysis of the informal tailoring sector in Abidjan. Aka and Koné argue that despite the influx of cheap imported clothing, local tailors have maintained market share through customization and rapid turnaround times. The study highlights how tailors in neighborhoods like Treichville and Yopougon operate within complex supply chains, often sourcing fabrics from the famous Marché de Treichville. For researchers interested in the economic viability of the tailor in Ivory Coast, this text offers crucial data on income levels, client retention, and the adaptability of small-scale workshops.

Bamba’s monograph explores the sociological role of the tailor in Abidjan as a creator of social identity. The book details how the Boubou and other traditional garments are tailored to reflect political allegiance, social status, and ethnic pride. It specifically examines the "couture" scene in Abidjan, where high-end tailors blend traditional Ivorian wax prints with contemporary silhouettes. This resource is essential for understanding why the demand for skilled tailors remains high in Abidjan, as clothing is viewed not merely as utility but as a powerful form of non-verbal communication and cultural preservation.

This peer-reviewed article analyzes the tension between global trade agreements and local craftsmanship. Diop and N’Guessan discuss how the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and other trade liberalization policies have flooded Abidjan’s markets with second-hand clothing (Wax vs. Occasion). The authors argue that while these policies lower costs for consumers, they threaten the livelihoods of traditional tailors. The paper provides a critical perspective on the challenges Abidjan’s tailors face in competing with mass-produced imports, offering policy recommendations for protecting local textile industries in the Ivory Coast.

Focusing on the gender dynamics of the industry, Ekue’s research highlights the significant role of women in Abidjan’s tailoring sector. The study documents how female tailors and fabric sellers dominate specific market segments in Abidjan, often operating as micro-entrepreneurs. It explores the barriers they face, including access to credit and modern sewing machinery, while celebrating their resilience. This article is particularly relevant for understanding the social structure of tailoring workshops in Ivory Coast and the importance of women in sustaining the local fashion economy.

Kouassi’s recent work examines the modernization of the traditional tailor in Abidjan. The book investigates how artisans are adopting digital tools, such as social media marketing and mobile money payments, to expand their client base. It features case studies of tailors in Abidjan who have successfully transitioned from street-side stalls to branded boutiques by leveraging online platforms. This resource is vital for understanding the future trajectory of the tailoring profession in Ivory Coast, illustrating how technology is reshaping client-tailor relationships and business operations.

This article delves into the traditional apprenticeship system that trains most tailors in Abidjan. Mensah describes the master-apprentice relationship, which is often based on kinship or community ties rather than formal education. The study highlights the strengths of this hands-on training method but also points out its limitations in terms of standardization and business management skills. For anyone looking to understand the human capital behind the tailoring industry in Ivory Coast, this text provides a detailed look at how skills are passed down through generations in Abidjan’s workshops.

N’Dri’s article addresses the growing environmental consciousness among Abidjan’s tailors. It explores how some artisans are beginning to incorporate sustainable practices, such as upcycling discarded fabrics and reducing waste in their cutting processes. The author argues that the tailor in Ivory Coast is uniquely positioned to lead a sustainable fashion movement due to the inherent custom nature of their work. This resource is forward-looking, connecting the traditional craft of tailoring in Abidjan with global sustainability trends and environmental responsibility.

This report provides a macroeconomic overview of the informal sector in the Ivory Coast, with a specific section dedicated to the textile and tailoring industry. It offers statistical insights into the contribution of tailors to Abidjan’s GDP and employment rates. The report emphasizes the need for government support to formalize these businesses, improve access to finance, and upgrade infrastructure. This document is an authoritative source for understanding the broader economic context in which Abidjan’s tailors operate and the policy environment that shapes their daily activities.