THE IMPACT OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP ON THE ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT OF RURAL WOMEN

ABSTRACT

This study carried out the work on “The Impact of Entrepreneurship on the Economic Empowerment of Rural Women in Edo State”. It was observed that, many rural women, after starting businesses, struggle to keep their improved economic status, often returning to their previous financial State. Moreover, most lack the assets needed for collateral required by loan programs, which further hampers their access to funds. The purpose of this research work is to investigate the impact of entrepreneurship on the economic empowerment of rural women in Edo State. The study had a population size of 58,769 out of which Taro Yamane sampling formula was used to determine a sample size of 397. The sample size was randomly selected using simple random sampling techniques. Primary method of data collection was utilised and the instrument used for data collection was questionnaire. The total numbers of 397 copies of the questionnaire were distributed while 300 copies were filled and returned. Tables and percentages were used as techniques of analyzing the research questions while chi square was employed to test the research hypotheses through the use of SPSS. The findings of this study are: entrepreneurship has a significant impact on the economic empowerment of the rural women; the government, to a large extent, has promoted entrepreneurship for economic empowerment of the rural women; Sociocultural barriers, to a large extent, pose challenges on entrepreneurship and economic empowerment of the rural women; and entrepreneurship do proffer solutions to the impediments of economic empowerment of rural women. The study recommended that, the government of Edo State should create more policies and programs that promote entrepreneurship among rural women and provide them with the necessary support and resources. This include providing access to finance, training, and mentorship programs.