Title: Motivation factors and constraints to the growth of small scale food processing enterprises in Owerri metropolis, Imo State, Nigeria

Authors: C.U. Nwajiuba; G.O. Amazu; C.S. Nwosu; R.U. Onyeneke

Addresses: Department of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development, Imo State University, Owerri, P.M.B 2000, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria ' Department of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development, Imo State University, Owerri, P.M.B 2000, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria ' Department of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development, Imo State University, Owerri, P.M.B 2000, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria ' Department of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development, Imo State University, Owerri, P.M.B 2000, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract: The study analysed motivation factors and constraints to the growth of small scale food processing enterprises in Owerri metropolis, Imo State, Nigeria. Forty small-scale food processors were purposively selected from the area. Questionnaire was used to collect primary data. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data. The results of the study identified various types of food processing enterprises in the study area. Prominent among them were garri processing (20%), palm kernel cracking (20%) palm oil processing (17.5%). Majority (80%) of the processors undertook their type of enterprise by reason of generating greater income when compared with primary products. Majority (75.0%) of the processors reported inadequate capital as the major constraint facing the growth of small scale food processing in the area. Therefore, improvement in the infrastructures and accessibility to cheap credit facilities would create favourable environment and incentive for successful food processing entrepreneurship in Owerri metropolis, Imo State, Nigeria.

Keywords: firm growth; small scale food processing; business motivation; constraints; Nigeria; small firms; entrepreneurship; infrastructure improvement; credit accessibility; cheap credit; business finance; inadequate capital; income generation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESB.2013.055488

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, 2013 Vol.19 No.4, pp.488 - 497

Published online: 30 Sep 2013 *

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