Micro and Macro Economic Development in Nigeria: What Role for the Rural Woman Entrepreneur?

Over time, the woman has been confined by culture and nature to a second class role behind man. In the economy arena, she is seen as playing the supportive roles for the sustenance of the social status quo but in a very restricted mode which have little direct impact on local or national development. It is in the light of this fact that this paper examines the importance of empowering women for entrepreneurial roles in rural communities with the aim of achieving national development and growth. Data for the study was based on a 2013 survey of over 100 household businesses in Dutsin-Ma, Katsina state. The final sample size of 115 was determined through random selection of women operated businesses and this comprises of 57 full-time housewives and 58 partially employed housewives. It was discovered that culture plays a significant role in the determination of the willingness to partake in enterprising venture (97%), while only 23% of the respondents indicate strong interest in setting up a private venture. It was also discovered that education plays an important role in the building of entrepreneurial interest among the respondents. The study concluded that the first point of call for the empowerment of rural women for entrepreneurial roles is the provision of enlightenment through education