Entrepreneurship Policies and Poverty Reduction in Selected States of the South-East, Nigeria

Entrepreneurship policies and programs have been noted and acknowledged globally as one of the instruments for achieving poverty reduction. As a result of the widespread poverty in the country, previous government administrations in Nigeria have at different times initiated policies and programs aimed at poverty reduction. This study investigated the relationship between entrepreneurship policies and poverty reduction in selected states of the South-East, Nigeria. Survey design was employed in the study. The population of the study were three selected states (Abia, Imo and Anambra States). Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed in analysis of data. The study found that entrepreneurship policies had joint significant effect on poverty reduction F(1, 133) =117.900, Adj. R2=.468, p<0.05 in Abia state. Also, in Imo State, entrepreneurship policies had significant effect on poverty reduction F(1, 120)=237.008, Adj. R2=.663, P<0.05. Entrepreneurship policies had significant effect on poverty reduction F(1, 140)=501.709, Adj. R2=.781, P<0.05 in Anambra state. The study recommends strong and focused emphasis on youth and women empowerment through the provision of Entrepreneurship Training Centers in all the local government areas within the three selected states of the South East as this will enhance employment generation and poverty reduction. Keywords: Entrepreneurship policies, employment generation, economic development, poverty reductions DOI: 10.7176/DCS/10-2-06 Publication date: February 29th 202