ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS REQUIRED BY WOMEN RETIREES FOR PROCESSING OF GARRI AS SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS IN OSOGBO OSUN STATE
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Background of the Study
The concept of entrepreneurship has gained increasing importance in contemporary economic development strategies, especially in developing countries. Entrepreneurship is often seen as a vehicle for economic growth, poverty alleviation, and social transformation, providing opportunities for individuals to engage in productive ventures that contribute to personal and societal well-being (Acs et al., 2016). For women retirees, entrepreneurship presents a unique opportunity to transition from formal employment to self-employment, thereby securing a sustainable livelihood in their later years. This study focuses on the entrepreneurial skills required by women retirees in Osogbo, Osun State, for the processing of garri, a staple food in Nigeria, as a sustainable business venture.
Women in Nigeria have historically played a significant role in agricultural production and processing, contributing to the food security of their families and communities (Doss, 2018). However, their participation in the formal economy, particularly in entrepreneurial activities, has been limited by various socio-cultural and economic barriers. The advent of retirement often exacerbates these challenges, as many women face financial insecurity and social isolation after leaving the workforce (Akingbolu, 2019). Entrepreneurship offers a viable solution for these retirees, allowing them to leverage their skills, knowledge, and experience to create income-generating activities that enhance their economic independence and social status.
Garri, a processed product made from cassava, is a staple food consumed widely across Nigeria and other West African countries. The processing of garri is labor-intensive and requires specific skills to ensure quality and marketability. Women retirees, who often possess significant experience in traditional food processing methods, can potentially capitalize on this knowledge to establish small-scale garri processing businesses. Such ventures can provide a steady income stream, contribute to local food security, and promote economic development within the community (Okpukpara, 2017).
In Osogbo, Osun State, the processing of garri is a common economic activity, particularly among women. However, the transition from subsistence-level production to a sustainable business requires more than just traditional processing skills. It necessitates a range of entrepreneurial skills, including financial management, marketing, business planning, and customer relations. These skills are crucial for transforming a small-scale operation into a profitable and sustainable business that can compete in the local and regional markets (Onu et al., 2016).
The significance of entrepreneurial skills in fostering sustainable business ventures among retirees cannot be overstated. According to Olusola and Oluwaseun (2020), the acquisition of entrepreneurial skills can significantly enhance the capacity of women retirees to manage their businesses effectively, overcome market challenges, and achieve long-term success. Furthermore, the development of these skills can empower women, boost their confidence, and enable them to contribute more meaningfully to the economy, even in retirement.
Despite the potential benefits, many women retirees in Osogbo face significant barriers to entrepreneurship. These include limited access to capital, inadequate training and mentorship opportunities, and a lack of supportive networks. Addressing these challenges requires targeted interventions that focus on building the entrepreneurial capacity of women retirees, providing them with the necessary resources and support to succeed in their ventures (Afolabi et al., 2019). Such interventions could include training programs, access to microfinance, and the establishment of women’s entrepreneurial networks that facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration.
The processing of garri as a business venture also aligns with broader sustainable development goals, particularly those related to poverty reduction, gender equality, and sustainable economic growth. By supporting women retirees in Osogbo to develop their entrepreneurial skills and establish sustainable garri processing businesses, this study contributes to the ongoing efforts to promote inclusive economic development and improve the livelihoods of marginalized populations (Nwankwo et al., 2021).
This study, therefore, seeks to explore the specific entrepreneurial skills required by women retirees for the processing of garri as a sustainable business in Osogbo, Osun State. It aims to identify the challenges these women face in their entrepreneurial endeavors and to provide recommendations for interventions that can support their transition from retirement to successful business ownership. The findings of this study will be relevant to policymakers, development practitioners, and other stakeholders interested in promoting women’s entrepreneurship and sustainable economic development in Nigeria.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Women retirees in Osogbo, Osun State, like many others in Nigeria, often face significant challenges in maintaining their economic independence after retirement. While entrepreneurship offers a promising pathway for these women to secure their livelihoods, the transition to business ownership is fraught with difficulties. The specific problem this study addresses is the lack of adequate entrepreneurial skills among women retirees necessary for the successful processing of garri as a sustainable business.
Research indicates that the success of small-scale agro-processing enterprises depends largely on the entrepreneur's ability to manage various aspects of the business effectively, from production to marketing (Bamigboye et al., 2018). However, many women retirees in Osogbo have limited access to formal education and training in entrepreneurship, which hampers their ability to establish and sustain profitable businesses. Additionally, the socio-cultural context in Osogbo often restricts women’s access to resources such as credit, land, and market information, further complicating their entrepreneurial endeavors (Ogunleye-Adetona & Oladejo, 2017).
Without the necessary entrepreneurial skills, women retirees may struggle to manage the complexities of the garri processing business, leading to low productivity, poor product quality, and limited market reach. This not only affects their income and economic stability but also undermines the potential for these businesses to contribute to local economic development and food security.
This study aims to address this problem by identifying the key entrepreneurial skills required by women retirees for successful garri processing and by exploring the challenges they face in acquiring and applying these skills. The findings will provide insights into the specific support needed to enhance the entrepreneurial capacities of women retirees in Osogbo, enabling them to build sustainable businesses and improve their livelihoods.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The objectives of this study are as follows:
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To identify the entrepreneurial skills required by women retirees for the processing of garri as a sustainable business in Osogbo, Osun State.
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To examine the challenges faced by women retirees in acquiring and applying entrepreneurial skills in garri processing.
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To assess the impact of entrepreneurial skills on the success and sustainability of garri processing businesses owned by women retirees.
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To evaluate the role of external support (such as training, finance, and networks) in enhancing the entrepreneurial capacities of women retirees in Osogbo.
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To provide recommendations for policy and practice that can support women retirees in establishing and sustaining successful garri processing businesses.
1.4 Research Questions
The study will be guided by the following research questions:
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What entrepreneurial skills are required by women retirees for the processing of garri as a sustainable business in Osogbo, Osun State?
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What challenges do women retirees face in acquiring and applying entrepreneurial skills in garri processing?
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How do entrepreneurial skills influence the success and sustainability of garri processing businesses owned by women retirees?
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What role does external support play in enhancing the entrepreneurial capacities of women retirees in Osogbo?
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What policy and practical interventions can support women retirees in establishing and sustaining successful garri processing businesses?
1.5 Research Hypotheses
H1: There is no significant relationship between entrepreneurial skills and the success of garri processing businesses among women retirees.
H2: Market demand does not significantly affect the profitability of garri processing businesses among women retirees.
H3: External factors (e.g., government policies) do not significantly influence the sustainability of garri processing businesses among women retirees.
1.6 Significance of the Study
This section discusses the simulated practical and theoretical significance of the study. The simulated practical significance focuses on how the findings can be applied to real-world scenarios to improve the entrepreneurial capacities of women retirees, while the theoretical significance explores the contribution of the study to the existing body of knowledge on women’s entrepreneurship, sustainable business practices, and agro-processing in developing economies.
Practical Significance:
The findings of this study have the potential to inform the development of targeted training programs and support mechanisms for women retirees interested in garri processing. By identifying the specific skills required and the challenges faced, policymakers and development practitioners can design interventions that address the needs of these women, enhancing their capacity to establish and sustain profitable businesses. This could lead to increased economic independence for women retirees, improved household income, and greater contributions to local food security and economic development in Osogbo.
Theoretical Significance:
Theoretically, this study contributes to the literature on women’s entrepreneurship, particularly in the context of agro-processing in Nigeria. It expands the understanding of the intersection between gender, retirement, and entrepreneurship, highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities faced by women retirees in the informal economy. The study also adds to the discourse on sustainable business practices in developing countries, providing insights into how traditional food processing methods can be transformed into viable business ventures through the application of entrepreneurial skills.
1.7 Scope and Limitations of the Study
The scope of this study is limited to women retirees in Osogbo, Osun State, who are engaged or interested in engaging in the processing of garri as a business venture. The study focuses on identifying the entrepreneurial skills required for successful garri processing, the challenges faced in acquiring and applying these skills, and the role of external support in enhancing entrepreneurial capacities.
The limitations of the study include potential biases in self-reported data, as participants may overstate or understate their entrepreneurial skills or the challenges they face. Additionally, the study is geographically limited to Osogbo, which may affect the generalizability of the findings to other regions or contexts. Time and resource constraints may also limit the depth of the analysis and the ability to explore all relevant factors comprehensively.
1.8 Definition of Terms
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Entrepreneurial Skills: The specific knowledge, competencies, and abilities required to successfully manage and grow a business venture, including financial management, marketing, business planning, and customer relations.
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Garri Processing: The process of transforming cassava tubers into garri, a popular West African staple food. This involves peeling, grating, fermenting, pressing, and frying the cassava.
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Sustainable Business: A business that is economically
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