Abstract
This study focused on strategies for enhancing entrepreneurial activities of
rural women in Anambra State. Specifically it identified entrepreneurial
activities of rural women in Anambra State; determined factors militating
against the entrepreneurial activities; and ways of improving the activities.
The study made use of survey research design. The population for the study
was 115 made up of 35 lecturers of Entrepreneurial Studies and 80 selected
rural women in Anambra State. Questionnaire was used for data collection.
The instrument was validated by three experts. Mean and standard
deviation were used for data analysis. Findings reveal 15 entrepreneurial
activities of the rural women including, food service business (X=3.55),
palm oil processing (X=3.56); other findings are nine constraints to their
entrepreneurial opportunities, including inadequate funds to start a
business (X=3.98), lack of advanced market place to do business (X=3.73)
and nine ways of promoting the entrepreneurial activities of the rural
women entrepreneurs, include, provide financial linkages to rural women
(X=3.70), train women on how to run a small business (X=3.76). Four
recommendations were made. These include that Anambra State Ministries
of Women Affairs, Commerce and Industry should adopt the strategies
identified in this study to encourage rural women to become entrepreneurs,
train them on skills so that they can be able to sustain their livelihood
through their income generating ventures.