Predictors of Agricultural Technology Adoption Among the Cassava Farmers in the North- Central Nigeria (Published)
This research paper delves into the underexplored realm of agricultural technology adoption behaviour among cassava farmers in North Central Nigeria, with a focus on elucidating the predictors of technology adoption within the region. Leveraging a quantitative survey research design, data was collected from 377 cassava farmers through structured questionnaires. Findings reveal significant relationships between various factors such as performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, price value, hedonic motivation, prior experience, and the adoption of agricultural technology. Through multiple linear regression analyses, it was established that these factors exert substantial influences on technology adoption behaviour among cassava farmers. Based on empirical evidence, policy recommendations were formulated to enhance the adoption of agricultural technologies among cassava farmers, aiming to foster a transition from subsistence to commercial farming, thereby bolstering agricultural productivity and socio-economic development in the region. These recommendations encompass governmental support for improved cassava seedlings, duty-free importation of agricultural implements, procurement and distribution of tractors, expansion of extension services, fertilizer production facilities, subsidized procurement of agricultural machinery, and enhanced importation policies for agro-chemicals. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics underlying technology adoption in agricultural contexts, offering insights for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers alike.
Keywords: Nigeria, agricultural technology adoption, cassava farmers, effort expectancy, facilitating conditions, hedonic motivation, performance expectancy, price value, prior experience, social influence
Brand Equity and Purchase Behaviour Among Automobile Owners in Nigeria (Published)
This study centers on the influence of brand equity on the purchase of automobile. Over the last two decades, the majority of automobile users patronized used automobile but with the federal government new automotive policy, there seems a gradual decline in the purchase of these used automobile. Despite this, no empirical study has been done to look at the effect of brand equity on repurchase of automobile. The general objective of this study is to investigate the influence brand equity has on repurchase of automobile in Awka metropolis. The study employed survey research design and the population of study comprises owners of used automobile. Topman’s formula was used to arrive at the sample size of 246 automobile owners. The sampling technique was quota sampling and the research instrument was questionnaire. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was used to test the reliability of the instrument. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple regressions were used to test the significance of the hypotheses. It was found out that brand loyalty is the strongest predictor of repurchase then, perceived quality. It was concluded that brand equity management and customer satisfaction strategies are needed for repeat purchase of used automobile. On the strength of the conclusion, we recommend that automobile dealers should as a matter of urgency engage the services of a professional brand equity manager and customer relationship manager.
Keywords: Brand Equity, Nigeria, automobile market, purchase behaviour
Entrepreneurial Marketing Dimensions and Market Performance of Small and Medium-scaled Enterprises in Niger Delta, Nigeria (Published)
Although small and medium enterprises provide diverse employment opportunities and economic growth in the Nigerian economy, entrepreneurial marketing has received little attention in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria in spite of challenges faced by them. The study examined the entrepreneurial marketing dimensions and market performance of small and medium scale enterprises in Delta State. A sample of 245 respondents comprises of owners or managers of SME’s in Warri/Effurun Metropolis were selected for study. Convenience sampling techniques was used to select the sample after the area has been subdivided into zone with quota sampling methods. A survey research design was used to collect data from respondents through the use of questionnaire. Hypothesized relationships between the variables of study were tested using multiple regressions. Findings reveal that all the entrepreneurial marketing dimensions of pro-activeness, opportunity-focused, innovation-oriented, customer intensity, resource leveraging and value creation have significant positive relationship with market performance while risk making have a negative relationship. It is therefore recommended that owners and managers of SME’s should be pro-active, aggressive and innovative in design of strategies towards enhancing market performance in their organization.
Keywords: Entrepreneurial Marketing, Market Performance, Niger-Delta, Nigeria, small and medium-scaled enterprises
Entrepreneurial Marketing Dimensions and Market Performance of Small and Medium-scaled Enterprises in Niger Delta, Nigeria (Published)
Although small and medium enterprises provide diverse employment opportunities and economic growth in the Nigerian economy, entrepreneurial marketing has received little attention in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria in spite of challenges faced by them. The study examined the entrepreneurial marketing dimensions and market performance of small and medium scale enterprises in Delta State. A sample of 245 respondents comprises of owners or managers of SME’s in Warri/Effurun Metropolis were selected for study. Convenience sampling techniques was used to select the sample after the area has been subdivided into zone with quota sampling methods. A survey research design was used to collect data from respondents through the use of questionnaire. Hypothesized relationships between the variables of study were tested using multiple regressions. Findings reveal that all the entrepreneurial marketing dimensions of pro-activeness, opportunity-focused, innovation-oriented, customer intensity, resource leveraging and value creation have significant positive relationship with market performance while risk making have a negative relationship. It is therefore recommended that owners and managers of SME’s should be pro-active, aggressive and innovative in design of strategies towards enhancing market performance in their organization.
Keywords: Entrepreneurial Marketing, Market Performance, Niger-Delta, Nigeria, small and medium-scaled enterprises
Financial Deficiency Syndrome and Behaviour of Low Income Earners in Rural Communities of Rivers State, Nigeria (Published)
This study examined the effect of financial deficiency on the behavior of low income earners in rural communities of Rivers State. The objective was to examine how financial deficiency affects the behavior of low income earner. One hundred respondents were selected from the 10 local governments in Rivers State. Questionnaire were designed and administered to the respondents in the local governments. Descriptive analysis and Pearson Product Correlation Coefficient with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences was used as data analysis. Findings revealed that financial deficiency have positive effect on the behavior of low income earners in rural communities of Rivers State. The study recommends that government should formulate policies that will reduce unemployment in rural communities, the needs to increase public awareness on financial inclusion in the rural communities. Efforts should be advanced by the government to reduce financial exclusion in the rural communities of rivers state and the regulatory authorities should ensure equitable distribution of financial institutions and financial servicing to the rural communities in Rivers State.
Keywords: Behaviour, Low Income Earners, Nigeria, Rivers State, Rural Communities, financial deficiency syndrome
Effects of International Marketing Environments on Entrepreneurship Development (Published)
Entrepreneurs all over the world seeks ways of introducing their products to international markets, unfortunately the international marketing environment pose a lot of opportunities and threats to foreign entrants. The cultural environment and political and technological environment has a lot to do in entrepreneurial success in global markets. This study employed the descriptive research design and questionnaires were used as instruments for gathering the much needed data. Findings revealed that the technological advancement has less significant impact on business transactions of international entrepreneurs which could be traceable to the fact that not all entrepreneurs are technological inclined to transact businesses. Furthermore, the political systems and governmental regulations on business dealings have a lot to do with entrepreneurial success in the international markets. The study recommends the establishment of a supportive governmental framework to serve as a platform for the willing entrepreneurs to succeed in the international market.
Keywords: Comparative Advantage, Entrepreneurship, International, Market, Nigeria
Agripreneurship Curriculum Development in Nigerian Higher Institutions (Published)
Sustainable agriculture has remained a subject of debate in Nigeria for decades without tangible results. Between 2001 and 2007, agricultural sector accounted for 40 percent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Products (GDP) and 51 percent of job creation. However, in 2015 agriculture accounted for only 17.77% of Nigeria’s GDP (National Bureau of Statistics, 2015). These figures are indications that agriculture has not met the need of the country, and reveal the dwindling nature of the sector. The declining nature of agriculture calls for a new strategy that will support agricultural development in Nigeria. This paper aims to advance agripreneurship education in Nigerian Universities by attempting to develop a curriculum that will trigger agriprenuership taught classes in Universities in Nigeria in attempt to increase youth and farmers participation in agripreneurship and improve the agricultural sector in general.
Keywords: Agripreneurship, Development, Entrepreneurship, Nigeria, University
Small and Medium Scale Enterprises and Industrial Growth in Nigeria (Published)
Infrastructural constraints in Nigeria militate against efficient performance of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) and adversely affect industrial growth in the country. The objective of the study was to determine the relationship that exists between manufacturing SMEs production and industrial growth in Nigeria. Secondary data were sourced from the Central Bank of Nigeria statistical bulletin and National Bureau of Statistics publications for the period 2002-2016, and regression analysis was used in analysing the data. Findings of the study revealed that manufacturing SMEs production has a statistical significant relationship with industrial growth in Nigeria. This implies that manufacturing SMEs are capable of accelerating industrial growth through their contributions to the economy. The study, however, advocates more government intervention of facilitating access to concessional funds to SMEs to trigger SMEs sustainable growth and industrial growth in Nigeria.
Keywords: Industrial Growth, Nigeria, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs)
An Appraisal of Nigeria’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMES): Growth, Challenges and Prospects (Published)
This paper took a critical appraisal of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria. The major focus of this work was to expatiate on the growth, challenges and prospects of the MSMEs in the country. While attempting to give an appropriate definition for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises using employment strength and asset base criteria, the work revealed that SMEs contribute significantly to economic development in the provision of goods and services, creation of employment and contribute to a high standard of living. There are some setbacks facing the over 17,284,671 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in Nigeria. These setbacks include; limited financing, lack of action plan to deal with eventualities, lack of managerial and marketing skill, and lack of research appreciation and technical expertise. The study concluded that entrepreneurship is regarded as the catalyst in most developing economies and that it is very crucial to the economic growth and development of Nigeria. As such, it was recommended that government policies should support the establishment, nurturing and growth of SMEs by curtailing or banning importation of certain products, training of young entrepreneurs, establishment of Centers for Entrepreneurial Development and promoting entrepreneurial spirit through the provision of conducive entrepreneurial environment, funding and empowerment programmes. This will facilitate the training and retraining of entrepreneurs and also help Nigerian youths to develop interest in entrepreneurship.
Keywords: Economic Development, Micro, Nigeria, Small and Medium Enterprises, Technical Expertise
An Appraisal of Nigeria’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMES): Growth, Challenges and Prospects. (Published)
This paper took a critical appraisal of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria. The major focus of this work was to expatiate on the growth, challenges and prospects of the MSMEs in the country. While attempting to give an appropriate definition for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises using employment strength and asset base criteria, the work revealed that SMEs contribute significantly to economic development in the provision of goods and services, creation of employment and contribute to a high standard of living. There are some setbacks facing the over 17,284,671 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in Nigeria. These setbacks include; limited financing, lack of action plan to deal with eventualities, lack of managerial and marketing skill, and lack of research appreciation and technical expertise. The study concluded that entrepreneurship is regarded as the catalyst in most developing economies and that it is very crucial to the economic growth and development of Nigeria. As such, it was recommended that government policies should support the establishment, nurturing and growth of SMEs by curtailing or banning importation of certain products, training of young entrepreneurs, establishment of Centers for Entrepreneurial Development and promoting entrepreneurial spirit through the provision of conducive entrepreneurial environment, funding and empowerment programmes. This will facilitate the training and retraining of entrepreneurs and also help Nigerian youths to develop interest in entrepreneurship.
Keywords: Economic Development, Micro, Nigeria, Small and Medium Enterprises, Technical Expertise