Business, Management and Economics Research

Online ISSN: 2412-1770
Print ISSN: 2413-855X

Quarterly Published (4 Issues Per Year)





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Volume 4 Number 9 September 2018

The Challenges of Micro and Small Enterprises in the Case of Jimma Genet Woreda


Authors: Wakuma Dufera Tesgera
Pages: 121-129
Abstract
This study aimed at assessing the challenges of MSEs in poverty reduction in Jima Genet district, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. Many studies which focused on problems and factors that slow down the growth of MSE failed to address the factors of five economic sectors such as agriculture, trade, manufacturing, construction and service. The objective of this study was to analyze the role of MSE in income generation and poverty reduction in the study. Both quantitative and qualitative research method was used and Primary data was obtained using questionnaires and interview. Secondary data was also collected from reports, journals, past research works, official documents and the internet. Non probability (purposive sampling) was used to determine the sample size and the determined sample size was selected by systematic sampling method from the population in the study area. The data was analyzed based on descriptive statistics such as percentages and graphs. Based on the findings, the study recommended that Enterprises should train by professionals how to develop business plan; the culture of developing cooperation among members, government should improve system of giving production place and formal and informal association should be improved by taking the work of successful enterprises as examples; enterprises must develop sufficient marketing skills and diversified their product.

Gendered Inequalities in the Informal Economy in Masvingo Urban of Zimbabwe


Authors: Jeffrey Kurebwa
Pages: 111-120
Abstract
This paper focuses on the gendered inequalities in the informal economy of Zimbabwe with specific reference to Masvingo urban in Zimbabwe. The informal economy in Zimbabwe is made up of unregistered and unrecorded statistics and therefore is not registered, supported or regulated by the Government. Women trading in the informal economy have little or no access to organised markets, credit institutions, formal education and training institutions, public services and amenities. Qualitative research methodology was used for the research. A case study research of Masvingo urban in Zimbabwe was used, while data was collected using key informant interviews, semi-structured interviews, observations and documentary search. The findings of the study indicates that women in the informal economy are affected by environmental, political, economic, social and personal constraints. Women are concentrated in this sector due to the value system in the society; fewer skills required for the jobs in this sector, technological advancement, and the traditional roles assigned to them. The study concludes that gender-sensitive macro-economic policies are an important enabler to address gender inequalities in the informal economy as they shape the economic environment for women’s empowerment. The study recommends that local authorities should come up gender-responsive policies to enable women to operate in an environment that has decent infrastructure for vending, free from police and sexual harassment and adequate security.