ENTREPRENEURSHIP'S ROLE IN FOSTERING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND ALLEVIATING POVERTY IN NORTH-EAST NIGERIA

Abstract

The objective of this study is to explore the role of entrepreneurship in fostering sustainable development towards alleviating poverty in northeast Nigeria and to determine the extent to which sustainability development contributes to economic development. This study adopts a quantitative approach. It concentrates on finding the outcome from the primary sources of data that involve administering questionnaires to small businesses from Northeastern Nigeria. The questionnaires were mailed (online and in hard copies) to 300 randomly selected respondents because it is probability-based to avoid bias. The study identifies short-term costs, transition challenges, regulatory burden, and consumer resistance as key factors affecting small businesses, providing insights for policymakers and stakeholders to support small business growth. In addition, this study on sustainability development highlights market access and the business environment as primary contributors, with education and health also playing roles. These findings inform policymakers and businesses on the complexities of sustainability development. Lastly, a study on poverty in North-East Nigeria underscores the importance of entrepreneurship in poverty alleviation, emphasizing economic factors, education, housing, and employment as significant contributors. Addressing these factors can lead to targeted interventions for sustainable development and poverty reduction in the region. This study has practical implications for regulators of both the Nigerian government and non-governmental organizations in reducing the poverty rate thus, creating wealth for the teaming populace of not only North-East Nigerians. This paper is original and unique in its form and has value for academicians, poverty alleviation agencies, and policymakers, highlighting the significance of supporting entrepreneurs in coming up with innovative methods for sustainable development.