EFFECT OF CULTURAL FACTORS ON ENTREPRENEURIAL INTENTION OF WOMEN IN DAURA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KATSINA STATE

Abstract

Entrepreneurship is recognized as a vital driver of economic growth and
empowerment, with a potential to significantly improve the socioeconomic
conditions of individuals and communities. In many developing regions, however,
women face unique challenges and barriers stemming from cultural norms,
values, and practices that influence their decision to become entrepreneurs. Using
a mixed-methods approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative research
methods, this study attempts to explore the intricate relationship between cultural
factors and the entrepreneurial intentions of women in the north-western region
of Nigeria, using Daura as a case study. The research methodology involves
surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions to gather data from a diverse
sample of women in Daura Local Government Area. The sample was derived
from the 2016 census projection of the population. With a sample size of 1419
participants, it was discovered that certain cultural practices encourage the
procreation of women owned enterprises in certain trades or skills in North-
Western Nigeria. Using correlation analysis, it was further discovered that there
are positive significant interaction between elements of cultural practice and
factors determining entrepreneurial intention of women in Daura Local
Government Area of Katsina State; except for the cultural imposition of the
husband’s over the wife’s earning which has a significant negative correlation
with wife’s Entrepreneurial Intention (r = -0.0857; p≥0.05%).The study therefore
recommended that cultural factors that ensure the procreation and proliferation
of women entrepreneurship be encouraged, protected and sustained against all
other forms of external cultural influences that are to a large extent considered
foreign to the local environment.