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
Leadership Styles and Business Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in FCT Abuja (Published)
This study investigates the impact of leadership styles on the business performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja. The study aims to examine the influence of autocratic, democratic, and transformational leadership styles on SME performance in the region. Survey research design was utilized for the study. Data were collected through a questionnaire survey administered to SME owners and managers in various industries within the FCT Abuja. The questionnaire measured respondents’ perceptions of leadership styles and business performance using Likert scale items. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings reveal significant relationships between leadership styles and business performance among SMEs in FCT Abuja. Contrary to initial hypotheses, autocratic, democratic, and transformational leadership styles were all found to have significant effects on business performance. Autocratic leadership demonstrated a positive influence on performance, while democratic and transformational leadership styles also showed significant relationships with performance. The study’s implications underscore the critical role of leadership in shaping the success of SMEs in FCT Abuja. The findings highlight the need for SME leaders to adopt a balanced leadership approach that incorporates elements of autocratic, democratic, and transformational leadership styles. Moreover, the study emphasizes the importance of fostering a culture of employee involvement, empowerment, and innovation within SMEs to drive performance and competitiveness in the market. Based on the study’s findings, recommendations are provided to support SME leaders in enhancing business performance.
Keywords: Autocratic, Business Performance, Democratic, Leadership Styles, transformational leadership styles.
Entrepreneurial Training Needs: An Imperative for Business Performance among Women Entrepreneurs in South-Eastern Nigeria (Published)
This study assesses the impact of entrepreneurial training needs among women entrepreneurs in Southeast Nigeria. The study employed exploratory research design and primary data was collected using copies of structured questionnaire from 360 sample respondents. The data collected was analysed using spearman’s rank correlation and multiple regression analysis. The research findings revealed that bookkeeping training needs and Credit recovery training needs emerged as a significant factor in enhancing the performance of women entrepreneurs. On the other hand, access to finance training needs had a highly significant negative impact on the performance of women entrepreneurs. Based on the findings, the study recommends that Government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other relevant stakeholders should collaborate to provide comprehensive and accessible bookkeeping, access to finance and credit recovery training to women entrepreneurs. This will enable them to develop effective financial management skills, make informed decisions, and improve overall business performance.
Keywords: Business Performance, bookkeeping training needs, credit recovery training needs, entrepreneurial training needs