Impact of Socio-Economic Characteristics on the Performance of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises: Evidence from Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

This paper examines the impact of socio-economic characteristics on the performance of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Niger State. Data on socio-economic performance indicators of 307 Small and Medium Scale Enterprises domiciled in two Local Government Areas (Bosso and Chanchaga) was extracted from the data base of German Agency for International Development (GIZ) in Nigeria. Descriptive statistics; frequency, mean, min, max and standard deviation was used to analyze the socio-economic factors impacting on the performance of Small and Medium Scale concerns in the study area. Analysis reveals that gender, age, professional skills/training and educational qualification, value of assets, annual turnover, security and safety have significant influence on the performance of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in the study area. The paper suggests interconnected approach to capacity building and development of sustainable Small and Medium Scale Enterprises.