Effect of social capital on poverty alleviation: A study of women entrepreneurs in Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

The entrepreneurial performance of women in developing countries is influenced by microfinance factors such as social capital. However, there are mixed findings on the effect of social capital on poverty alleviation. Thus, this study assessed the effect of social capital on self-employment, education, training and skills acquisition, and economic empowerment. The study adopted survey research design and systematic sampling technique to select the elements that completed the research questionnaire. Regression statistical method was employed to analyse the generated data. It was found that social capital is significantly related to self-employment, education, training and skills acquisition, and economic empowerment. The researchers recommended the creation of more awareness on the relevance of social capital to women entrepreneurs. Also, social networking and social capital acquisition among women entrepreneurs should be encouraged through women entrepreneurs’ associations and cooperative societies.

Keywords: Social capital, poverty alleviation, economic empowerment, skills acquisition