AGRIENTREPRENURIAL PROGRAMMES AND THEIR EFFECT ON JOB CREATION IN UMUAHIA NORTH L.G.A, ABIA STATE

Abstract

The study examines entrepreneurial development program and its effect on job creation in Umuahia North Local Government Area, Abia state. It specifically focused on ascertaining the type of entrepreneurial development programs predominant in the study area; the duration of training in the entrepreneurial development programme. The determinants of choice of entrepreneurial development programme in the study area. One hundred and twenty (120) respondents were examined for the study. Data for the study were generated using structured questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were used in analyzing the data. The study revealed that majority of the respondents were female (54.17%), the study also revealed that their age was between 31-50 which constitute 71.66%, married with family size of 4-6 persons constituting 42.50% with educational qualification of senior secondary education. The entrepreneurial experience showed that they have 16-20 years constitution 41-67%. The predominant entrepreneurial programmes in the study are were NDE, NOAS, SMEDAM and YOUWIN. Fashion design had the highest participants, this could be as a result of most of the respondents being female. The regression showed that age, family size, employment status, credit access and occupation had an effect on the respondent’s choice of program. Inadequate finance, poor follow up and unconducive environment were the major challenges of the respondents. The study recommended there should be follow-up after training to make sure that they are doing the right thing