Factors Affecting Performances Of Women Entrepreneurs In Ambo Town, Oromia National State

Abstract

This study was designed to shade light on factors that affect the performance of women entrepreneurs in Ambo. The study employed a descriptive survey research designs is used in preliminary and explanatory part of the study to allow researchers together information, summarize, present and interpret data for the purpose of clarification. It also addressed the features of women entrepreneurs as well as their respective business and challenges encountered. A sample of 153 women entrepreneurs engaged that means 10% from each kebele was taken for the study using simple random sampling using lottery method. In an attempt to provide answers to the basic research questions, a questionnaire that includes demographic profiles, characteristics of women entrepreneurs and their business, factors that affect the performance of women entrepreneurs and support they seek from stakeholders was designed in a closed ended Likert Scales. After the data has been collected, it was analysed using simple statistical techniques (tables and percentages) and descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviations). The results of the study indicate the personal characteristics of women entrepreneurs in Ambo and factors that affect their performance. It also shows that lack of own premises (land), financial access, inadequate access to training, lack of proficiency in business planning and leadership, access to technology and access to raw materials were the key factors that affect the performance of women entrepreneurs. The study also found that conflicting gender roles, social acceptability and network with outsiders were the major social factors that affect these entrepreneurs. Furthermore, the main legal and administrative factors include access to policymakers, interest rates, bureaucracies and red tape, and overall legal and regulatory environments in entrepreneurs successful attain entrepreneurial activities. The study also found that issues like human resources management, raw material supply, and access to utilities, financing as well as restricting business regulations pose challenges to women entrepreneurs implying that business establishment and operational challenges need to be given due accordance by the concerned. the This recommendation addresses Ambo Women Entrepreneurs, Financial Institutions, Educational Institutions and responsible Government Organizations to work in cooperation for strong and feasible development of Women Entrepreneurs in Ambo.