Education and Training of Small-Scale Entrepreneurs: A Tool for Poverty Reduction in the Nkoranza South Municipality, Ghana

Abstract

Educating and training of small-scale entrepreneurs has been identified as key determinants in the establishment, growth, and survival of businesses which ultimately reduce poverty levels. In spite of the relationship that exists between education and training and poverty reduction among small-scale entrepreneurs, very little empirical examination has been done. This informed the current study to examine how educating and training of small-scale entrepreneurs by the Business Advisory Centre (BAC), a promotional institution, contribute to poverty reduction in the Nkoranza South Municipality (NSM). The study employed descriptive and evaluative designs. All the small-scale entrepreneurs who were registered with the BAC were included in the study. The systematic and purposive sampling methods were used to draw 278 small-scale entrepreneurs and three members of staff of the BAC. Questionnaires, interviews guide and focus group discussion guide were principally used to collect data from the respondents. The results from the study showed that the Business Advisory Centre (BAC), with its education and training programmes in the municipality has, to a large extent helped reduce the poverty levels among entrepreneurs. This was observed in increased outputs, incomes and levels of savings among the respondents. The study recommends to the BAC to increase the coverage and intensifies its education and training within the municipality.