EXPORT OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS OF WOOD-FURNITURE PRODUCERS IN BENIN CITY EDO STATE NIGERIA.

ABSTRACT
This study was conducted to critically look at the export opportunities and constraints of wood-furniture producers in Benin City Edo State, to examine wood-furniture makers engaging in wood-furniture export operations, to examine the export channels used by wood-furniture enterprises, to describe the constraints faced by wood-furniture exporters. This research examined three local government area in Benin City that is, Oredo, Egor, Ovia. A total of 150 copies of well-structured questionnaire was administered and retrieved and also an interview was conducted with 19 persons responded. The filled copies of the questionnaire were subjected to analysis using simple percentage pie chart, tables and other descriptive statistical tools. The result showed that only 7% of the wood-furniture producers are engaged in wood-furniture export operations. Although there are opportunities for exportation of wood-furniture, majority of the responses shows that the major constraints faced by these entrepreneurs is lack of finances to expand their businesses. It was suggested that more financial support be giving to these local entrepreneurs which will enable them consolidate and expand their businesses, and also the formation of cooperatives so as to share both expenses and gains of exportation and also encourage others to utilize opportunities to export their products outside the country.