INDIGENOUS METAL CASTING IN NIGERIA - ITS TECHNOLOGY, ATTENDANT PROBLEMS, BUSINESS PROSPECTS AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS

The indigenous metal casting for the production of household utensils such as metal pots, spoons and bowls of different sizes are increasing ly becoming popular in Nigeria. The production method involves the use of a conventional sand casting procedure in which a two-part flask wi th a split drag are employed in the moulding. This metal casting is op erated at the cottage level and most of the people involved have quali fications below junior secondary school level with no metallurgical or any other engineering background The problems faced by the industry a re technical, operational, organisational and financial in nature. The strategies for ameliorating the problems are established It was concl uded that improved policies, carefully crafted projects and proper man agement of technology can drastically solve these problems. This small business has good prospects and can be a basis for the development of indigenous technological capability building in metal casting in Nige ria. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd All rights reserved.