Rural Micro-Entrepreneurs' Experiences Coping with the Pandemic in Nigeria

Abstract

The COVID-19 epidemic has had a substantial impact on Nigeria's micro, small, and medium-sized companies (MSMEs), disrupting economic activities. The combination of limited travel, the necessity to maintain physical distance, and varying degrees of community lockdown and quarantine has resulted in economic stagnation for these firms. This qualitative study looked at how rural entrepreneurs deal with the epidemic while going about their everyday business. Data demonstrate that rural entrepreneurs are anxious about their health and financial situation. Spirituality and inventive marketing methods were used to ameliorate the pandemic's negative consequences. Rural entrepreneurs resorted to survival attempts despite the government's cash aid and food relief packages. This paper improves government interventions by suggesting new remedies and laws. It also seeks to increase access to government relief programmes for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), particularly those that are informal and unregistered. The report also recommends the implementation of information technology (IT) solutions.