Constraints to Women Farmers Entrepreneurial Development in Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

The traditional agricultural economic growth from subsistence to commercial one creates great opportunities to other entrepreneurial activities that support rural life. This study examined the constraints to the development of entrepreneurial activities among women farmers in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Specifically, this paper described the characteristics of the respondents, identified the characteristics (type, form and duration) of enterprises, and examined the entrepreneurial competencies of women entrepreneurs. Structured interview schedule was used to collect relevant information from 165 women farmers selected through multi-stage sampling technique across 6 local government areas of Nasarawa State. Descriptive statistics (percentages and mean) were used to analyze the data. Majorities (82.8%) of women entrepreneur were married, and 82.3% had less than secondary education. Also the mean age, household size and annual income was 39, 8 and ₦208,759.38 respectively. Furthermore, majority (81%) did not belong to their respective business association. Processing was the major type of business engaged in by majority (58.8%) as sole proprietor (87.9%). Persistence, commitment to work contract, and risk-taking ranked highest with a mean score of 2.55, 2.47 and 2.40, respectively. Lack of start-up capital (95%), poor infrastructural facilities (93%), and inadequate access to relevant information (89%) were the major constraints to women farmers’ entrepreneurial development. As a policy recommendation, various tiers of government should create the enabling social and physical infrastructure environments to catalyze entrepreneurial development (with special focus for women) in the rural areas.