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
The Role of Financial Literacy on Loan Repayment among Small and Medium Entrepreneurs in Rwanda Case Study: Urwego Opportunity Bank (Published)
The purpose of this research was to examine the impact of financial literacy on loan repayment in Rwanda because previous research suggests that many people lack the skills needed to calculate expected returns or present discounted values, which may cause them to make suboptimal financial decision and yet financial literacy skills enable individuals to navigate the financial world, make informed decisions about their money and minimize their chances of being misled on financial matters. The research was focused on small and medium entrepreneurs in Urwego Opportunity Bank. The researcwh was significant in various ways to individuals/bank clients, investors. Financial literacy therefore is regarded as one of the strategies used by bankers to provide knowledge and skills needed to change attitude and attract more potential users of agent banking. Financial literacy levels amongst SMEs are far too low to deal with the complexities of the matter. The quality of financial information available for financing institutions is rather poor. Credits decisions become difficult and collateral requirements as well as interest rates are high, substantially aggravating access to credit. Controlling the Loan Book is equally difficult. Indeed, banks in Rwanda are increasingly facing non-performing-loans particularly from SMEs. The impacts on the Rwandan economy – almost 90% of all enterprises in Rwanda are micro-enterprises, according to a recent PSF business. The combinations of smaller en¬terprises without access to cash to grow their business and banks, which are increasingly reluctant to lend to smaller clients, hamper much needed economic and social development
Keywords: Financial literacy, Loan Repayment Small and Medium Entrepreneurs, Opportunity Bank, Rwanda, Urwego