Constraints faced by Women Entrepreneurs in Small-Scale and Micro - Enterprises in Arid and Semi-Arid Areas in Kenya: A Case Study of Isiolo Central
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Date
2011-03
Authors
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Publisher
Kampala International University, College of Economics and Management Sciences .
Abstract
The study sought to find out the constraints faced by women in small-scale enterprises
in Arid and Semi-arid areas (ASALs). The study was carried out in Central location,
Central division, lsiolo district in Eastern Province
The variables under investigations were inaccessibility to credit facility, poor
infrastructure, low level of education and lack of family support.
The main respondents for the study were women in small-scale enterprises. Sixty five
respondents formed the sample size of the study. Three micro-finance officers were
interviewed to give supportive information.
The study utilized sample survey design. The respondents for the study were drawn
through stratified sampling, simple random sampling and purposive sampling. The
data collected were analyzed using simple frequency distribution tables, percentages,
graphs and pie charts. Descriptive analysis was also given to explain the information.
The findings of the study indicated the following:
The amount of loan given to women by micro-finance institutions were generally
small and therefore could not help them stait viable business enterprises. Also, the
micro-finance institutions were taking long time in approval of the loan for the
women. It was also found that lack of electricity led to the inability of the small-scale
enterprises to store perishable items. Inadequate water supply led to unhygienic
business environment while poor road network increased the cost of transportation.
Most of the women entrepreneurs in Isiolo central location were illiterates. 33.7% left
school at primary level. This inturn affected their record keeping skills which led to
the mismanagements of the business enterprises.
The main recommendations of the study were as follows:
i. The micro-finance institutions should increase the amount of loan offered to
women entrepreneurs in order for women to establish a viable business
enterprise. The approval of the loan should not take long time as this would
delay the activities of the business enterprises.
11. The government actors should provide and maintain the basic infrastructure at
reasonable cost to consumers.
111. The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology together with Nongovernmental
Organizations (NGOS) should organize capacity building on
entrepreneurial skills for small-scale women entrepreneurs.
iv. Women should be given support by the society in general and their spouses in
particular in respect of finances, motivational encouragement, advice and
actual involvement in the running of the enterprises.
Description
A research project submitted to the School of Business and
Management in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements
for the Award of A Bachelors Degree in
Business Administration of Kampala
International University.
Keywords
Women Entrepreneurs, Small-Scale and Micro - Enterprises, Constraints, Kenya