Impact of Agro-Entrepreneurial Training and Performance of Women Agro-Entrepreneurs in Abuja, Nigeria (Published)
Women demand better access to resources and support, which can lead to increased income, improved living standards, and empowerment. However, insufficient progress has been made in Abuja Nigeria, with women-owned micro enterprises facing challenges such as lack of access to markets, resources, and training. This study assesses the impact of agro-entrepreneurial training among women entrepreneurs in Abuja Nigeria. This study employed cross sectional research design where primary data was collected using closed ended structured questionnaire designed using Likert Scale from 360 sampled respondents of which 348 questionnaires were properly filled and returned, depicting a response rate of about 97%. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. The research findings revealed that each specific training need has a significant impact on the performance of women entrepreneurs in Abuja Nigeria. Bookkeeping Training (β=0.041, p-value: 0.028) and Credit Recovery Training (β= 0.496, p-value: 0.000) exhibited positive impacts. Access to Finance Training (β=0.048, p-value: 0.002) highlighted the importance of securing adequate financing. Networking Training (β=0.093, p-value: <0.001) demonstrated positive influences. Based on the findings, this study recommended that Government agencies, NGOs, and other relevant stakeholders should improve bookkeeping training programs for women entrepreneurs to enhance financial management skills. It suggested further that entrepreneurial trainers should offer specialized training on credit management and recovery. Workshops and seminars on financing, business plan development, pitch preparation, networking, leadership, communication are also recommended.
Keywords: Business Performance, Financial literacy, access to finance; networking, agro-entrepreneurship, enterprise growth, human capital theory, women entrepreneurs; entrepreneurial training