Project Abstract

Abstract
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) play a crucial role in the economic development of Nigeria by creating employment opportunities and contributing to the overall GDP of the country. This research aims to investigate the impact of SME growth on poverty reduction in Nigeria. The study utilizes a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data analysis with qualitative interviews to provide a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between SME growth and poverty alleviation. The findings suggest that SME growth has a positive effect on poverty reduction in Nigeria through job creation, income generation, and social empowerment. The research highlights the importance of government support and policies in fostering SME development and subsequently reducing poverty levels in the country. By promoting a conducive business environment, providing access to finance, and offering training and capacity-building programs, policymakers can enhance the growth and sustainability of SMEs, leading to a more inclusive and equitable economy. Moreover, the study identifies challenges faced by SMEs in Nigeria, such as limited access to finance, inadequate infrastructure, and regulatory bottlenecks, which hinder their growth potential and impact on poverty alleviation. Addressing these barriers through targeted interventions and reforms can further enhance the contributions of SMEs to poverty reduction efforts in the country. Overall, the research contributes to the existing literature by providing empirical evidence of the positive correlation between SME growth and poverty reduction in Nigeria. By illuminating the mechanisms through which SMEs influence poverty alleviation, the study offers insights for policymakers, development practitioners, and other stakeholders to design effective strategies and programs that harness the potential of SMEs in driving inclusive growth and sustainable development. Ultimately, fostering the growth of SMEs can lead to improved living standards, reduced inequality, and enhanced economic resilience at both the individual and community levels. In conclusion, the findings underscore the critical role of SMEs in poverty reduction efforts in Nigeria and emphasize the need for targeted interventions and supportive policies to unlock the full potential of these enterprises in promoting inclusive and sustainable development. By addressing the challenges faced by SMEs and creating an enabling environment for their growth, Nigeria can harness the transformative power of small and medium-sized businesses in building a more prosperous and equitable society.

Project Overview

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Poverty has steadily increased in Nigeria in the last ten years. Both world bank reports and human development reports can lend credence to the above assertion in 1087, Nigeria was ranked 54th and was classified as middle income nation by the 1981 world development report. By 1957 Nigeria had lost her status a middle income nation and by 1991, if has joined the club of the poorest countries of the world with such other countries as Tanzania, Somalia Bangladesh, laws, Malawi, Nepal, chard, Burundi, sierra, Leone and Madagascar (new swatch January 13, 1992) Nigeria income per capital has also declined steadily from and 800 in 1980 and 250 in 1989.

1.2  STATEMETN OF THE PROBLEM

It is a common knowledge that the third would countries are generally poor. Even though there are poor people in developed world they are not comparable to the developing world. In African Nigerian is regard as the giant of African because of its abundant natural and human resources. In Nigeria today, the poor get poorer and the rich gets richer this raises serious question on the existence of true democracy and one Nigeria. it is against this bank ground of suffering and deprivation of the poor that this research work is designed to investigation how encourage growth in Nigeria to reduce poverty among Nigerians.

1.3  RATIONAL OF THE STUDY

This study if successful conducted and this recommendation implemented can changed the country are reduced poverty this can systematically attract the much needed conduction to reduce poverty in Nigeria.

1.4  SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The significance of this study is to achieve a great success in contributing the little researcher can, if not a great deal in alleviating the suffering of Nigeria masses by improving their living standard. The study also is expected to improve Nigeria economy and national development. It is a well know fact that a hungry nation is an angry nation and a healthy nation is a wealthy nation. When the nations citizens are healthy, the national development will be improve because the nations development is determined by the working capacity of her citizens.  

1.5  DEFINITION OF THE STUDY

In order to prevent ambiguity, the following terms used in this project writing has been defined as follows.

Poverty: Poverty here means a living condition in which an entity is faced with economic social, political, cultural and environmental deprivation to which a person house hold, community or nation can be subjected.

Third World Countries This is a collective team used to refer to most or all the developing and under developing countries mostly found in Asia, Africa and Latin America in which Nigeria is classified also.

Poverty alleviation Various effort put in by public and private entities to reduce poverty