FIRM CHARACTERISTICS AND ACCESS TO MICROFINANCE CREDIT IN FCT FURNITURE INDUSTRY, NIGERIA: CROSS TABULATION ANALYSIS
Akomoalafe Femi Augustine (PhD), Prof. Obida Gobna Wafure, Gombe Masu Bappayo (PhD)
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Abstract
The study examined firm characteristics and access to microfinance credit in the FCT furniture industry. Primary data was used and obtained through questionnaires, collected based on information retrieved from furniture owners or managers in the FCT furniture industry. The data was analyzed with frequency tables (percentages), bar charts, pie charts, and cross-tabulation with a total population of 45,644 MSMEs, and samples of 397 were drawn from the furniture industry using the Taro-Yamane Formula. The study used a multistage sampling technique that involved two stages. The first stage involved stratified sampling, where the population was divided into two strata, namely urban and rural areas; AMAC, Bwari, and Gwagwalada metropolises were urban strata, while Kuje, Kwali, and Abaji Area Council were rural strata. Then, the second stage involved snowball sampling to select respondents. The study found that access to microfinance bank credit is further promoted by firms that have accounts with microfinance banks, register their firms with the government, use microfinance banks as a major method of savings, and keep proper financial records. It was noted that a low interest rate enhances access to microfinance credit in future industries, but belonging to a furniture association does not necessarily facilitate access to microfinance bank credit. The study concluded that the characteristics of the furniture industry in FCT enhance access to microfinance bank credit. It is thus recommended that government should conduct regular training sessions on accounting record keeping, skill enhancement, and technology exposure through SMEDAN, furniture associations, and microfinance institutions. Also, encourage furniture owners to open accounts with reputable microfinance banks and offer free business registration.
Keywords: Firm Characteristics, Access to Microfinance Credit, Fct, Furniture Industry, MSMES
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International Journal of Global Economic Light (JGEL)
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Published on : 2024-04-22
Vol | : | 10 |
Issue | : | 4 |
Month | : | April |
Year | : | 2024 |