Women Entrepreneurship and Poverty Reduction in Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

The persistent challenges facing women entrepreneurs in Anambra State, including high venture failure rates, limited job creation capacity, weak innovation outcomes, and inadequate access to critical entrepreneurial resources were the motivation for the study However. the study specifically examined the relationship between opportunity recognition and job creation; the relationship between resource mobilization and venture survival; the relationship between learning orientation and innovation impact; and the relationship between networking and venture survival in Anambra State, Nigeria. The research was anchored on Schumpeter's Innovation Theory of Entrepreneurship, the Resource-Based View (RBV) Theory, and Social Network Theory. A survey research design was adopted for the study. The population comprised women entrepreneurs operating in Onitsha, Nnewi, Awka, and Ekwulobia, Anambra State. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire, out of the 384 questionnaires administered, 350 copies were correctly filled and found valid for analysis. Data were analyzed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient with the aid of SPSS version 23 at a 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed a positive and significant relationship between opportunity recognition and job creation; a strong positive and significant relationship between resource mobilization and venture survival; a strong positive and significant relationship between learning orientation and innovation impact; and a positive and significant relationship between networking and venture survival. The study concluded that entrepreneurial capabilities are critical drivers of sustainable venture performance in Anambra State. It recommended that entrepreneurs, policymakers, and support institutions strengthen opportunity recognition skills, enhance access to resources, promote continuous learning, and encourage networking platforms to improve venture sustainability, innovation, and job creation.