CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1   BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Interest in the development of small and medium sized enterprises and their contribution in the development process continue to be in the forefront of policy debate in developing countries. The advantages claimed for small and medium scale business are various, including: the encouragement of entrepreneurship; the greater livelihood that small scale business will utilize labour intensive technologies and thus has an immediate impact on employment generation; they can usually be established rapidly and put into operation to produce quick returns. Small scale business development can encourage the process of both inter-intra-regional decentralization; and they may well become a countervailing force against the economic power of larger enterprises. More generally, the development of small-scale business is seen as accelerating the achievements of wider economic and socio-economic objectives, including poverty alleviation. This research is set out to examine the contribution of small and medium scale businesses in the economic development of Nigeria. As far as the research has elaborate the development of small-scale promotion which is identified as approach in development. The creation of economically viable enterprises which can stand on their own feet without perpetual subsidy and can make a positive contribution to the growth of real income and therefore to better living levels. This approach emphasis the importance of efficiency in new small-scale enterprise. Small producers must be encouraged to adopt new method, move into new lines of production and in the long-run, wherever feasible, they should be encouraged to become medium or even large-scale producers.

The presidential initiative on cassava production and export has increased the awareness amongst Nigerians of the industrial crop, popularly referred to as the ‘new black gold’. Started in July 2004, the initiatives seeks to generate $5 billion in export revenue by the year 2007. Fortunately, Nigeria, according to the food and Agricultural Organisation. FAO, in its 2008 report, is currently the largest producer of cassava in the world at 34 millions tons yearly but with a poor yield of an average of 10 tons per hectare over an estimated cultivated land size of three million hectares. Nigeria is closely followed by Brazil and Thailand, which have a capacity to produce 24 millions tons and 20 millions tons and a yield of 13.6tons per hectare and 19.4 tons per hectare respectively.

1.2    STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

In evaluating the activities, services, contribution and importance of small and medium scale business in particular, it appears in most cases that inspite of its economic importance on this sector, the level of its acceptance is always noticeable and really showing. In the light of the above, it is mind bothering as to whether the state is ignorant of this philosophy or not paying attention to the major contributions of small and medium scale business to the entire community.

Hence, this study is set to study the various ways that small and medium scale business has contributed positively to the economic development of Nigeria.

1.3    OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The main objective of this study is to examine the contribution of small and medium scale business in the economic development of Nigeria. Also to identify and consequently analyze the most effective and efficient way through which small scale enterprises could be financed and promoted, thereby taking into consideration various conditions such as economic, political, social, psychological etc under which small scale enterprises are encouraged to operate with particular reference to the cassava processing industry in Nigeria. In so doing, the researcher intends giving an in-depth information and analysis on the various strategies through which small-scale enterprises can be developed and encouraged.

In view of the above, the researcher intends to find out the following:

1. The role played by government towards promotion and development of small-scale enterprises.
2. To identify the economic potential of small-scale enterprises in the Nigerian industries.
3. To highlight the benefit to the government and the general populace.
4. To identify the constraints confronting the development of small-scale enterprises in industries in Nigeria.
5. To find suitable strategies that will improve the development, growth and survival of small-scale enterprises in the industry.

1.4    RESEARCH QUESTIONS

The following research questions were formulated with a view to providing answers to then in:

1. What is the trend of the financial support given to small and medium scale enterprise in Nigeria?
2. How do small scale entrepreneurs raise capital?
3. What impact do small and medium scale enterprises makes to Nigeria’s economic growth?
4. What contribution has the financial system made to the growth of small-scale business in Nigeria?

1.5    RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS

In order to achieve the above objectives of this study, hypothesis was formulated in both null (Ho) and alternative form (HI)

H0:The Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMSEs) has not contributed significantly to the economic development of Nigeria.

H1:The Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMSEs) has contributed significantly to the economic development of Nigeria.

1.6   STUDY SIGNIFICANCE

The study proves to be necessary for the small and medium business owners as it highlights the challenges the SMSEs encounter but much more its contributions to the economic development of the state and the nation as a whole. Furthermore, the study will be of importance for the reading community as it communicates the importance and contributions of SMSEs. This will enhance the understanding of the students and possibly inspire some to join the league of SMSEs owners.

1.7   STUDY SCOPE AND LIMITATION

This study covers the necessary and related information bothering on Small and Medium Scale Enterprises. It focuses on their contributions and highlights the challenges but much more prescribe possible methods to continue this contribution.