A Review of the Sustainability Strategies of Ghana’s Textile Industry through the Sociological Theory of Crime

Abstract

Purpose: This empirical study, based on Routine Activity Theory (RAT), aimed to explore the drivers behind environmental harm, the factors that contribute to the suitability of the environment as a target for ecological harm, and the strategies for promoting sustainability in Ghana's textiles industry Design/ Methodology/ Approach: Interpretive phenomenology was employed alongside a descriptive research design to achieve this. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 25 textile designers for semi-structured interviews. The collected data were then processed using NVivo 12.1 and analysed thematically through interpretative phenomenological analysis, facilitating the identification of recurring themes, patterns, and insights. Research Limitation: The study's emphasis on a specific group of participants within the Ghanaian textile industry restricts the generalizability of our findings. Findings: The study identified several fundamental motivating factors driving environmentally harmful practices, including a profit-driven mindset, the market demand for textile fabric, limited awareness and education, resource constraints, and cultural and aesthetic preferences. Practical Implications: Interventions in the textiles industry to address economic, educational, and resource-related challenges can be accomplished through various methods to promote sustainable practices. Social Implications: The research findings underscore the importance of establishing industry-wide sustainability standards that prioritise responsible sourcing, environmental conservation, and transparency to ensure that the textile sector's operations align with environmental preservation. Originality and Value: The study contributed to the vast of knowledge on how textiles affect the environment and sustainability measures. Keywords: Ecological crimes. environmental impact. motivated offenders. sustainability strategies. textile fabric