Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have been recognized as crucial drivers of economic growth and development in Nigeria. This study aims to investigate the impact of SME growth on poverty reduction in Nigeria. The research will utilize a mixed-methods approach, incorporating both quantitative data analysis and qualitative interviews with SME owners and stakeholders. The quantitative aspect of the study will involve analyzing secondary data from various sources, including the National Bureau of Statistics, to examine the relationship between SME growth indicators and poverty levels in Nigeria. Key indicators such as employment generation, income levels, and access to basic services will be assessed to determine the extent to which SME growth contributes to poverty reduction. In addition to the quantitative analysis, qualitative interviews will be conducted with SME owners and other relevant stakeholders to gain insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by SMEs in Nigeria. By understanding the perspectives of those directly involved in SME operations, this study aims to provide a comprehensive view of the role of SMEs in poverty alleviation. The findings of this research are expected to contribute to the existing literature on SMEs and poverty reduction in Nigeria. By identifying the specific ways in which SME growth can impact poverty levels, policymakers and stakeholders can develop targeted strategies to support SME development and enhance their poverty-reducing potential. Overall, this study seeks to highlight the importance of SMEs in the Nigerian economy and their potential to drive inclusive growth and poverty reduction. By shedding light on the linkages between SME growth and poverty alleviation, this research aims to inform policy decisions that can foster a more enabling environment for SMEs to thrive and contribute meaningfully to poverty reduction efforts in Nigeria.

Thesis 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