Evaluation of Operational Challenges Facing Small-Scale Rubber Goods Manufacturers in Owerri, Imo State

Small-scale rubber goods manufacturers constitute an important segment of the industrial ecosystem in Owerri, Imo State, South East Nigeria, producing footwear components, gaskets, seals, and moulded goods for local industrial and consumer markets. Despite their economic contribution, these enterprises face operational challenges that limit growth and product quality. This study evaluates the key operational challenges confronting small-scale rubber goods manufacturers in Owerri, employing structured interviews with owners and managers of 35 registered enterprises. Challenges were assessed across raw material procurement, production technology, workforce skills, quality control capability, financing, and market access dimensions. A weighted challenge importance index was computed to rank constraints by business impact. Results indicate that inconsistent raw material quality and elevated rubber compounding chemical costs were rated the most severe constraints by 82 percent of respondents. Obsolete milling and moulding equipment, largely comprising second-hand machinery, was cited by 74 percent as a significant productivity barrier. Skilled technical labour availability was identified as critical by 68 percent. Access to formal credit for equipment investment was reported as severely limited by 79 percent, with most financing from personal savings or informal sources. Market competition from imported rubber products, particularly footwear soles from Asian suppliers, was identified as the primary demand-side constraint. The study recommends establishment of a common facility centre with shared modern rubber processing equipment, targeted technical training programmes, and improved small enterprise financing mechanisms for South East Nigeria's rubber manufacturing sector. Keywords: rubber goods manufacturing, small-scale enterprises, Owerri, Imo State, operational challenges