A STUDY ON FACTORS AFFECTING THE PERFORMANCE OF WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS IN MICRO AND SMALL SCALE ENTERPRISES:-THE CASE OF BASKETO SPECIAL WOREDA,SNNPR, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

This study was aimed to assess the factors that affect the performance of women entrepreneurs in MSEs at Basketo Special woreda. It also addressed the characteristics of women entrepreneurs in MSEs and their enterprises and the supports they acquire from TSIO /institutes. A sample of 66 women entrepreneurs engaged in 3 sectors was taken for the study using stratified sampling. In the process of answering the basic questions, a questionnaire that include demographic profiles, characteristics of women entrepreneurs and their enterprises, factors that affect the performance of women entrepreneurs in MSEs and supports that entrepreneurs obtain from TSIO were assessed in a closed ended questionnaires . Moreover, interviews were held with top officials of TSIO, Micro finances, Women, Children and Youth Affairs. After the data has been collected, it was analyzed using simple statistical techniques like tables and descriptive statistics, number and percentage. The results of the study indicates that the personal characteristics of women entrepreneurs in MSEs and their enterprises and the environments affect their performance. It shows that the key economic factors that affect the performance of women entrepreneurs in MSEs is highly murderous. The study also found that the major social factors that affect these entrepreneurs was the attitudes of society towards buying their products/services. Furthermore, the main legal/ administrative factors are also highly affected women entrepreneurs in MSEs. The study also found that supports provided by TSIO to MSEs is relatively weaker. Based on the major findings, recommendations were forwarded to existing and potential ix entrepreneurs, MSEs, Micro finances, Women, Children and Youth Affairs and TSIO.