Background of the Study
Women entrepreneurship has become a catalyst for socioeconomic development, particularly in developing countries. Female-owned businesses contribute significantly to community development by creating jobs, enhancing household income, and addressing social challenges through innovative solutions (Eze & Okoro, 2023). In Nigeria, women entrepreneurs are increasingly establishing themselves as pivotal players in the informal and formal sectors, despite challenges such as limited access to funding and cultural barriers.
Benue State, renowned as the "Food Basket of the Nation," offers diverse entrepreneurial opportunities for women, especially in agriculture and trade. Female-owned businesses in Benue State contribute to community development through job creation, poverty alleviation, and the empowerment of other women (Ogbu & Ameh, 2024). Examining the impact of these businesses can provide valuable insights into their role in fostering sustainable development.
Statement of the Problem
Despite the growing recognition of women entrepreneurs as agents of community development, they often face significant challenges such as limited financial resources, inadequate government support, and sociocultural constraints. These barriers hinder their ability to scale operations and maximize their impact on community development. Furthermore, there is limited empirical research on the specific contributions of female-owned businesses to community development in Benue State (Okafor & Agbo, 2023). Addressing this gap is essential to unlocking their full potential.
Objectives of the Study
To examine the impact of women entrepreneurship on community development in Benue State.
To identify challenges faced by female entrepreneurs in Benue State.
To recommend strategies for enhancing the contributions of women entrepreneurs to community development.
Research Questions
What is the impact of women entrepreneurship on community development in Benue State?
What challenges do female entrepreneurs face in Benue State?
What strategies can enhance the contributions of women entrepreneurs to community development?
Research Hypotheses
Women entrepreneurship does not significantly impact community development in Benue State.
Female entrepreneurs do not face significant challenges in Benue State.
Proposed strategies do not significantly enhance women entrepreneurs' contributions to community development.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study focuses on female-owned businesses in Benue State and their impact on community development. Limitations include variations in business sectors and the availability of data on informal enterprises.
Definitions of Terms
Women Entrepreneurship: Business ventures initiated and managed by women, contributing to economic and social development.
Community Development: Improvements in the economic, social, and cultural well-being of a community.
Female-Owned Businesses: Enterprises owned and operated by women.
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