Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises and Poverty Alleviation in Rivers State: Case of Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State
Abstract
The study investigates relationship between small and medium-scale enterprises and poverty alleviation in Port Harcourt Metropolis: Case of select SMEs recognize it as veritable catalyst for economic growth thus, enhancing job generation, and innovation. The study employed descriptive survey design whereby, structured questionnaires were retrieved from 370 respondents. The questionnaires were retrieved and analysed using descriptive statistics and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. The respondents strongly believed that SMEs contribute positively to job creation and household welfare arising from the remuneration of the workers., The correlation analysis show no significant relationship between employment generation and access to basic need r = 0.039; p > 0.05. However, significant positive relationships were established between SMEs sales increase and job creation r = 0.573; p < 0.05, SMEs profitability and household income show r = 0.514; p < 0.05), while, innovation and skill acquisition indicate, r = 0.514; p < 0.05. The study concludes SMEs is critical for poverty alleviation and employment quality. However, it recommends increased government support for improved access to fund, infrastructure development, and innovation support. Key words: SMEs, Poverty Alleviation, Metropolis, Job creation JEL: I32, I38, O20.
Keywords
SMEsPoverty AlleviationMetropolisJob creation JEL: I32I38O20.
References
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