Traditional Continuousness and Market Services: A Mixed-Method Field Study of Khadi Weaving Communities in Cumilla, Bangladesh

Author:S.K.S. Yadav, Muhammad Mahboob Ali, Kiran

Abstract:
A mixed-methods field study in Cumilla District, Bangladesh, from October 2025 to February 2026 studies Khadi manufacture and community well-being. It also illustrates global market entry issues. Primary data came from 360 semi-structured artisan interviews, 8 64-person focus groups, 300 household surveys from five upazillas, and 120 hours of participant observation. This study analyzed qualitative data (1,847 coded references, 24 nodes/6 themes) using NVivo 14 and evaluated quantitative dichotomous outcomes (well-being, market access, and GI awareness) using Fisher's Exact Test, One-Proportion Z-Test, Point-Biserial Correlation, McNemar's Test, and Cohen's Kappa (?=0.87).Major findings indicate that 71.4% of craftsmen experience emotional fulfillment in Khadi production, with present artists reporting superior well-being than former craftspeople (WHO-5 mean: 68.3 vs. 52.1; OR=4.82, p<0.001). GI certification increased average monthly wages 28.4% (BDT 8,450–10,850), however 62% are below the national living wage. Young people's engagement decreased from 42% (2010) to 18% (p<0.001) due to limited opportunities and a dismal income outlook (67%). Only 12% of people have access to global markets, and digital literacy highly corresponds with export activity (r_pb=0.42, p<0.001). These findings help the Craft-Centered Marketing Methodology (CCMM) balance market integration and cultural continuity utilizing the "Story-Value-Connection" (SVC) framework for sustainable Khadi growth.

Keywords:Fisher’s Exact Test, Khadi Fabric, Community Well-Being, Craft-Focused Marketing, Story-Value-Connection paradigm, GI Goods, NVivo Analysis.

DOI:10.46333/ijtc/15/1/3

International Journal of Trade & Commerce (Vol: 15 Issue:1)