Women Enterpreneurs

1
Running head: FACTORS AFFECTING THE PERFORMANCE OF WOMEN
ENTREPRENEURS IN MICRO AND SMALL ENTERPRISES
Assess Factors Affecting the Performance of Women Entrepreneurs in Micro and Small
Enterprise in Amhara Region; The case of Debark Town.
By
Paulos Asmare
A Thesis Submitted to the Department of Sociology for the Partial Fulfillment of the
Requirement of MA Degree in Sociology.
Department of Sociology
College of Social Sciences and the Humanities
University of Gondar
Advisor: Bekele Melese (Ph.D.)
May, 2020
Gondar, Ethiopia
2
Running head: FACTORS AFFECTING THE PERFORMANCE OF WOMEN
ENTREPRENEURS IN MICRO AND SMALL ENTERPRISES
Assess Factors Affecting the Performance of Women Entrepreneurs in Micro and
Small Enterprise in Amhara Region; The case of Debark Town.
By
Paulos Asmare
A Thesis Submitted to the Department of Sociology for the Partial Fulfillment of the
Requirement of MA Degree in Sociology
Advisor: Bekele Melese (Ph.D.)
Approved by Examining Boards
Name Signature Date
--------------------- -------------------- -----------------
Chair person, head department of Sociology
--------------------- --------------------- --------------------
Advisor
------------------------- ----------------------- -------------------
Internal Examiner
------------------------- ------------------------ --------------------
External Examiner
----------------------- ------------------------ --------------------

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FACTORS AFFECTING THE PERFORMANCE OF WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS IN
MICRO AND SMALL ENTERPRISES
Table of Contents
List of tables.................................................................................................................................................. 6
List of Acronyms .......................................................................................................................................... 7
Acknowledgments......................................................................................................................................... 8
Abstract ......................................................................................................................................................... 9
CHAPTER ONE: Introduction ................................................................................................................... 10
1.1. Background of the Study ..................................................................................................................... 10
1.2 Statement of the problem ...................................................................................................................... 13
1.3 Objective of the study ........................................................................................................................... 15
1.3.1 General objective ....................................................................................................................... 15

1.3.2 Specific objectives ..................................................................................................................... 15
1.4 Research questions ................................................................................................................................ 15
1.5 Significance of the study ....................................................................................................................... 16
1.6 Scope of the study ................................................................................................................................. 17
1.7 Limitation of the study .......................................................................................................................... 17
1.8 Organization of the study ...................................................................................................................... 18
1.9 Definition of the operational terms ....................................................................................................... 19
CHAPTER TWO: Review of Related Literature ........................................................................................ 20
2.1 Definitions of Entrepreneurship ............................................................................................................ 20
2.2. Theoretical Perspectives ...................................................................................................................... 20
2.2.1 Sociological Theory ................................................................................................................... 20

2.2.2 Feminist theory .......................................................................................................................... 21
2.2.3 Social Learning Theory .............................................................................................................. 23
2.2.4 Network Affiliation Theory ....................................................................................................... 24
2.2.5 Human Capital Theory ............................................................................................................... 24
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2.2.6 Financial Capital Theory............................................................................................................ 25
2.3 Empirical Literature .............................................................................................................................. 25
2.3.1 Women entrepreneurs in micro and small enterprises. .............................................................. 25

2.3.2 Women entrepreneurs in micro and small enterprises in Ethiopia............................................. 26
2.3.3 Women entrepreneurs in Micro and Small Enterprises in Amhara Region ............................... 28
2.4 Factors affecting entrepreneurship ........................................................................................................ 30
2.5 Factors affecting the performance of women entrepreneurs in MSEs .................................................. 31
2.5.1 Demographic factors .................................................................................................................. 31

2.5.2 Economic factors................................................................................................................. 31
2.5.3 Social factors ....................................................................................................................... 33
2.5.4 Legal/Administrative factors ............................................................................................... 34
2.6 Conceptual Framework of the study ..................................................................................................... 34
CHAPTER THREE: Research Methodology ............................................................................................. 36
3.1. Description of the study area ............................................................................................................... 36
3.2. Research design ................................................................................................................................... 37
3.3 Sample survey ....................................................................................................................................... 38
3.3.1 Target population ....................................................................................................................... 39

3.3.2 Participants ................................................................................................................................. 39
3.3.3 Sample size determination ......................................................................................................... 39
3.3.4 Variables Measurements ............................................................................................................ 41
3.3.5 Sampling Techniques and Procedures ....................................................................................... 42
3.3.6 Sources of data ........................................................................................................................... 42
3.3.7 Data collection instruments ........................................................................................................ 43
3.4 In-depth interview ................................................................................................................................. 44
3.4.1 Semi-structured interview guide ................................................................................................ 45

3.5 Reliability and validity testing .............................................................................................................. 45
3.6 Methods of data analysis ....................................................................................................................... 46

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3.6.1. Descriptive Analysis ................................................................................................................. 47
3.6.2 Inferential Analysis .................................................................................................................... 47
3.6.3 The Pearson Product Moment Correlation or association Coefficient ....................................... 47
3.7 Ethical consideration ............................................................................................................................. 48
CHAPTER FOUR: Introduction ................................................................................................................. 49
4.1 Data Presentation, Analysis, and Discussions ...................................................................................... 49
4.2 Data presentation and analysis .............................................................................................................. 49
4.2.1 The demographic profiles of respondents .................................................................................. 49

4.2.2 Attributes of women entrepreneurs in micro and small enterprise ............................................ 52
4.2.3 Factors affecting women entrepreneurs‟ performance in MSEs ................................................ 59
4.2.4 Challenges facing women entrepreneurs in areas of governmrntal institutions ......................... 67
4.2.5 Results of descriptive statistics .................................................................................................. 69
4.2.6 Results of inferential statistics ................................................................................................... 75
CHAPTER FIVE: DISCUSSION, CONCLUSION, AND RECOMMENDATIONS ............................... 83
5.1 Summary of discussion ......................................................................................................................... 83
5.2 Conclusions ........................................................................................................................................... 86
5.3 Recommendations. ................................................................................................................................ 87
Reference .................................................................................................................................................... 89
6
List of tables
Table 1sample size of respondents.............................................................................................................. 40
Table 2 Age Category ................................................................................................................................ 49
Table 3 Educational level........................................................................................................................... 50
Table 4 Work experience ............................................................................................................................ 51
Table 5 Marital status................................................................................................................................. 52
Table 6 Family sizes .................................................................................................................................. 52
Table 7 type of business Sector.................................................................................................................. 53
Table 8 Number of employees ................................................................................................................... 53
Table 9 Types of Business Ownership ...................................................................................................... 54
Table 10 Reasons to start your own business ............................................................................................ 55
Table 11 Initiators of to start the business ................................................................................................ 56
Table 12 Family entrepreneurial history and source of skills for starting a business ................................. 56
Table 13 Source of startup funding of respondents ................................................................................... 58
Table 14 Performance of the current status of her business....................................................................... 59
Table 15 Economic factors ........................................................................................................................ 59
Table 16 Socio-culture factors ................................................................................................................... 62
Table 17 Legal/administrative factors........................................................................................................ 65
Table 18 Challenges faced by women in areas of governmental institutions ........................................... 67
Table 19 the central tendency of economic factors .................................................................................... 70
Table 20 the central tendency of social factors ........................................................................................ 71
Table 21 the central tendency of Legal/administrative factors ................................................................... 72
Table 22 the challenges faced by women in areasof government institution........................................... 73
Table 23 Comparison of the major factors affecting women entrepreneurs‟ performance......................... 74
Table 24 the relationship between independent and dependent variables ................................................. 76

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List of Acronyms
AMSEDA: Amhara Micro and Small Enterprise Development Agency
ANRS: Amhara National Regional State
AEMFI Association of Ethiopian Micro-finance institutions
ACSMFIDB: Amhara Credit and Saving Micro Finance Debark Branch
CAWEE Center for African Women Economic Empowerment
CEDAW Convention Elimination Discrimination against Women
DTMSEDO: Debark Town Micro and Small Enterprise Development Office
ECSA: Ethiopian Central Statistics Agency
EWEA: Ethiopian Women Exporters Association
FeMSEDA: Federal Micro and Small Enterprise Development Agency
IFC: International Finance Corporation
GDP: Gross Domestic Production
GNP: Gross National Production
ILO: International Labor Organization
MFI Micro Finance Institution
SPSS: Statistical Package for Social Sciences
TVET: Technical and Vocational Education and Training
WEA Women Entrepreneurs‟ Association

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Acknowledgments
This work comes into an end with the help of God that made me succeed and
strength to go through all the difficult times.
While several, people have helped me in one way or another to achieve the
completion of this thesis. First, I would like to thanks my advisor Bekele Melese (Ph.D.)
and Wondimhunegn Ezezew (Ph.D.) by their constructive comments and outstanding
help with this thesis, for allowing me the complete freedom to pursue this study, to work
on my initiative, and for making me use the potential that I have with confidence on my
ability.
Moreover, my heartfelt thanks forwarded to Mr. Tesfaye Tefera and Mr.
Fikiradam Kassaw who helped me in moral that made my stay in the school easy and
fruitful. And thank you for both quantitative and qualitative data participants in this
study.
Lastly, but not least, I want to express my great thanks to this knowledge factory
institution, which is the University of Gondar, forgiven me for a free fee scholarship.
9
Abstract
This study objectives to assess the main factors affecting the performance of women
entrepreneurs in micro and small enterprises with special emphasis on manufacturing,
urban agriculture, trade, and service sectors in Debark town. To achieve the
objectives of this study, quantitative and qualitative datas were analyzed using
statistical analysis such as descriptive and inferential analysis. The respondent
women entrepreneurs were selected using a stratified sampling technique, this study
also used employed descriptive a total of 150 women entrepreneurs were involved in
the study to provide quantitative data. Moreover, the study was involved 10 key
informants in the interview sessions. After the data has been collected it was analyzed
by descriptive statistics, and inferential statistics (Association). The results indicated
the engaged business sectors, and the ownership of business of women entrepreneurs
in micro and small enterprises affected their performance. The study found the
economic, socio-culture, legal/administrative factors and the main challenges faced
by women entrepreneurs in areas of governmental institutions. The finding further
indicates that there exists linear and positive association ranging from substantial to
the strong association was found between factors, and performance may significantly
explain the variations in the dependent variable a 1% level of significance. Based on
the main findings, Sociologists and business advisors should be always providing
fresh information to women entrepreneurs about how to run their business in the
study area. They should recognize the importance of women entrepreneur in the
society
Keywords: - women entrepreneur, Performance, factors, micro, and small enterprise.

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CHAPTER ONE: Introduction
1.1. Background of the Study
In the modern economy, one of the most common raising trends in entrepreneurship is important
as it has the ability to improve standards of living and create wealth, not only for the
entrepreneurs, but also for related businesses. Entrepreneurs also help drive change with
innovation, where new and improved products enable new markets to be develop. It is practically
the main basis of every economy in both developed and developing countries (Marlow, 2013,
p.114-124). Entrepreneurship is the dynamic process of creating incremental wealth by devoting
the necessary time and effort, assuming the taking financial and social risks, and receiving the
result rewards of monetary and personal satisfaction (Hisrich, 2005). Additionally,
entrepreneurship is considered to be the main source that creates new value in the market place
and society. Therefore, in recent times, the importance of entrepreneurship has increasingly
apparent for governments which are planning entrepreneurship at the center of their economic
development program (Richardrson, Howarth, 2012).
The sociological theory of entrepreneurship holds social cultures as the driving force
of entrepreneurship. The entrepreneur becomes a role performer in agreement with the
role expectations of the society, and such role expectations based on religious beliefs,
taboos, and customs (Weber,1920) held religion as the major driver of entrepreneurship
and stressed on the spirit of capitalism.The Marxist and socialist feminism theory by Karl
Marx is a theory that recognizes women as a key factor in the development of an
economy because of their direct or indirect involvement in production. That would be
true of women as well, except that until the end of the 19th century, married women in
capitalist countries were not allowed to own property in their name; their profits from any
11
businesses they run and their wages belonged to their husbands. Marx had no place for
housewives in his analysis of capitalism.
Women entrepreneurs‟ in the micro and small enterprises appear an important
means that contribute greatly toward the gross domestic products (GDP) and provide job
opportunities for both developing and developed countries (Khattab, 2010). They make a
significant contribution to employment, innovation, and prosperity pattern in all economy
in that 50% of the worlds, women entrepreneurs‟ population started up a new business in
various fields, and the figure representing in additional of 83 million women who had
launched their business at least three and half years women in the entrepreneurship
business ownership the world (Alam, 2011, p.166-175).
Women entrepreneurs around the world are now making a difference in the
sectors of entrepreneurship. They contribute both pragmatic and feasible ideas. Besides,
they add a great deal of energy and capital resources to their communities‟ hence creating
massive job opportunities (Siwadi, Mhangami, 2011). In Africa, although women‟s
contribution to the business, they are not considered as entrepreneurs. In Mozambique for
instance, 95% of the citizens work in the informal economy and 59%of informal workers
are women but Mozambique‟s gender-related index runs the 149th of the 156 countries
for which they were available (Kyalo, 2013).
It is difficult to get a reliable estimate of the number of women entrepreneurs in
Ethiopia or of what percentage of the informal sector they constitute (CSA,2003 )
informal operators‟ survey results suggest that women account for 60% of informal
operators and 12% of the small manufacturing enterprise. Earlier surveys by (CSA, 2006)
presented higher percentages (65%) for the participation of women in urban micro-
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enterprises. A national survey conducted by the Ethiopian Welfare Monitoring Unit as
sited in (Bekele, Eshetu, Worku & Zeleke, 2008, p.3-19) shows that women entrepreneurs
in Ethiopia are not provided with adequate policy-related and strategic support from the
national government and that the promotion of energetic MSE should be one of the most
important priority strategies for empowering women, addressing the reduction of poverty
and unemployment in Ethiopia.
In the Amhara region, empirical studies shown, According to (Tegegne, Mulat,
2007) conducted on the performance of micro and small enterprises in urban levels of the
local and regional area was the home where inputs were able to access and market
destination for products. Besides studies (Mamo, 2009, p.11) were conducted focused on
assessing the challenges and constraints in micro and small enterprises at the regional
level. Also, other studies have shown that women entrepreneurs in micro and small
enterprises faced similar constraints to their business performance as sited (Yared, 2008)
stated Factors affecting micro and small enterprises Owned by Women Entrepreneurs in
the region,
Where Debark town is found in the North Gondar zone, there are many numbers
of women entrepreneurs are found in the town. Data were taken from the Debark town
micro and small enterprise development office annual report (DTMSEDO, 2018) shows
that 254 women entrepreneurs are found in the town. Therefore, this research would
investigate the main economic, socio-cultur, legal/administrative, demographic factors
Attributes, and challenges face that affect the performance of women entrepreneurs in
micro and small enterprises at Debark town, in terms of feminist theory.

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1.2 Statement of the problem
Although women entrepreneurs significantly contribute to the success of an
economy in various nations of the world, various challenges hinder their entrepreneurial
progress (Chinomona, 2015, p.835-850). Women entrepreneurs‟ in micro and small
enterprises appear an essential means that contribute greatly toward the gross domestic
product and provide job opportunities for both developing and developed countries
(Khattab, 2010). Women entrepreneurs play a vital role in the economic development of
the countries; arguably, women entrepreneurs‟ performances are lower than men's
entrepreneurs (Ocholah, 2012, p.164-167).
The most common causes of women entrepreneurs in MSEs, failure was a lack of
government attention in terms of economic, socio-culture, and legality support. Women
entrepreneurs need comfortable business environment and regulations, adequate
infrastructure services, access to short and long-term financing at reasonable rates, equity,
advisory support, and knowledge about market opportunities (Gebremariam,2017,p.56-
66). The creative ideas of entrepreneurs have advanced the world today as it in various
fields in many developing countries the idea and practices of entrepreneurs were not
common to see women and men entrepreneurs (Minniti, 2010, p.294-312).
These studies have found that women entrepreneurs tend to be less successful
than men, because of factors with access to finance, land, and training, and education, as
well as lack of effective business networks. Moreover, like women entrepreneurs in many
other African countries, women entrepreneurs in Ethiopia are at disadvantage due to
constrained access to economic elements as well as lack of prior work experience, all of
which are significant barriers to obtaining an initial bank loan (Hallward. D, 2013).
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In the Amhara region, there are few empirical studies report showing the leading
factors affect to the unimpressive growth and performance of the women entrepreneurs in
micro and small enterprises are limited access to finance, market, working premise, and
managerial skills (Woldey.G, 2004). Also, the constraints related to the legal and
regulatory environments, access to information, access to appropriate technology, access
to infrastructure, and in some cases of discrimination practice. On the other hand, the
negative attitude of the public to the importance of the sector due to cultural influence is
on the other constraint to the development of MSEs (Walelign. and Wondimu, 2002).
Similarly, in the present study are, as explained in the background section, there
are no previous empirical studies documenting women entrepreneurs in a micro and small
enterprise in Debark town. But in the Debark town, there are many women entrepreneurs
in MSEs, This study is specifically the emphasis on factors that affects the performance
of women entrepreneurs in micro and small enterprises, particularly at Debark town.
This study was considered to fill the gaps by identifying specific factors that
affect women entrepreneurs in micro and small enterprises. Furthermore, the challenge
faced by women entrepreneurs by governmental institutions‟ managers, heads, and TVET
leaders to women entrepreneurs in micro and small enterprises is assessed. To this end,
the researcher would fulfill that the previous studies had a theory gap. This study would
be discovered by feminist theory. The total target population is 254 women entrepreneurs
from these 155 women entrepreneurs were by stratified random sampling techniques
from quantitative data and 10 key informants are get qualitative data by purposive
techniques. Finally, the study had 165 participants, and use mixed research methods.
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1.3 Objective of the study
1.3.1 General objective
The general objective of this study was to identifying significant factors affecting
the performance of women entrepreneur‟s in micro and small enterprises in Debark town.
1.3.2 Specific objectives
The followings are the specific objectives of the study
1. To identify the education and experience demographic factors that affecting the
performance of women entrepreneurs in micro and small enterprises at Debark town?
2. To identify the main business sectors, initial capital, and current status of business
attributes of women entrepreneurs in micro and small enterprises at Debark town.
3. To identify the economic factors that affecting the performance of women
entrepreneurs in micro and small enterprises at Debark town.
4. To identify the socio-culture factors that affecting the performance of women
entrepreneurs in micro and small enterprises at Debark town.
5. To identify the legal/administrative factors that affecting the performance of women
entrepreneurs in micro and small enterprises at Debark town
6. To assess the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in micro and small
enterprises in areas of governmental institutions at Debark town?
1.4 Research questions

This study would address the following basic research questions.
1. What are the education and experience demographic factors that affecting the
performance of women entrepreneurs in micro and small enterprises at Debark town?

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2. What are the main business sectors, initial capital, and current status of business attributes
of women entrepreneurs in micro and small enterprises at Debark town?
3. What are the economic factors that affect the performance of women entrepreneurs in
micro and small enterprises at Debark town?
4. What are the social-culture factors that affect the performance of women entrepreneurs
in micro and small enterprises at Debark town?
5. What are the legal/administrative factors that affect the performance of women
entrepreneurs in micro and small enterprises at Debark town?
6. What are the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in areas of governmental
institutions at Debark town?
1.5 Significance of the study
This study provides important indicators to women entrepreneurs as it outlined
factors affecting women entrepreneurs; the government can use the findings of this study
to assist in policy formulation in terms of personal, organizational related challenges,
economic, social, and legal/administrative and other factors that affect the performance of
women entrepreneurs in micro and small enterprises. Moreover, the findings of this study
can help the other institutions how to encourage establishing or expanding women
entrepreneurs‟ in a micro and small enterprise. It can also enable them to know what
kinds of policies should be framed and these findings use academicians in broadening of
the prospectus with to this study hence providing a deeper understanding of the critical
factors that affect the performance of women entrepreneurs in business and other
entrepreneurs to come up with the appropriate measures to counter challenges that are
currently being experienced by women with the area under study.

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1.6 Scope of the study
This study was conducted in the Amhara region North Gondar Zon Debark town.
This study address at Debark town, there are three kebeles level included. The study
targeted women entrepreneurs engaged in the four sectors manufacturing, urban
agriculture, service, and trading. It also focuses only on women entrepreneurs registered
in a micro and small enterprise. In Debark town micro and small enterprise development
office annual report (DTMSEDO, 2018) shows that 254 women entrepreneurs are found
in the town. Different issues can be researched by women entrepreneurs. But this study is
surrounded by the economic, socio-culture, legal/administrative, and demographic factors
affecting the performance of women entrepreneurs in micro and small enterprises.
Besides, the study focuses on assessing the main attributes of women entrepreneurs in
MSEs to check whether these attributes affect their performance. The study also
addresses the training, machine, financial, technology, and facilities that governmental
institutions provide to women entrepreneurs to minimize the challenges facing the
women entrepreneurs in micro and small enterprises at Debark town.
1.7 Limitation of the study
The research was affected by financial constraints, in traveling from different
locations and to help in the logistics of research data collector groups. The illiteracy level
among some of the targeted population was also a challenge. However, the selection and
use of local interpreters helped guide the respondents to understand the questions and
filled the questionnaire correctly. The researcher also faced all questionnaires' were not
properly returned.
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1.8 Organization of the study
In chapter one, the thesis focuses on providing readers with a background of the
study, statement of the problem, objectives of the study, and research questions, the
significance of the study, the scope of the study, organizations of the study, and definition
of the operational terms. In chapter two; provides the necessary literature written in the
areas an overview to theoretical literature, definitions of entrepreneurship, theoretical
perspectives, empirical Literature, women entrepreneurs in MSEs, Women entrepreneurs
in MSEs in Ethiopia, Women entrepreneurs in MSEs in the Amhara region, Factors
affecting entrepreneurship, Factors affecting the performance of women entrepreneurs in
MSEs and the conceptual framework. In chapter three, this section describes the study
area, the study‟s research design, target population, Participants, sampling size
determination, sampling techniques, and procedure, Source of data, data collection
instruments, reliability and validity testing, Methods of data analysis, and ethical
consideration. In chapter four, this section provides first, the demographic profile of
respondents, second the Attributes of women entrepreneurs in MSEs, are analyzed. Both
are analyzed using frequency tables and percentages. Thirdly, the data related to the
factors that affect the performance of women entrepreneurs and the fourth Challenge
facing the governmental institution's support areas of respondents are presented and
analyzed. Mean and standard deviations are used for the presentation and analysis of
these parts. Finally, the results of inferential statistics Association, interpretations are
made based on the data presented and analyzed. In chapter five, this section provides
included the main findings are summarized; Conclusions are drawn based on the finding,
and recommendations are forwarded for concerned bodies.

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1.9 Definition of the operational terms
Attributes: Organizational features of women entrepreneurs in micro,and small
enterprises.
Factors: Demographic, economic,socio-culture,and legal/administrative factors that affect
women entrepreneurs' overall activities and operations in micro and small enterprises.
Micro Enterprise: means under the industry sector micro enterprise is an enterprise
operates with 5 people including the owner and/or their total asset is not exceeding Birr
100,000 (one hundred thousand). Under the service sector, the micro enterprise is an
enterprise operating with 5 persons including the owner of the enterprise and/or the
values of total assets is not exceeding Birr 50,000(fifty thousand). (FeMSEDA, 2011).
Microfinance: refers to the provision of financial services to low-income clients,
including consumers and the self-employed
Performance: overall activities and operations performed by women entrepreneurs In
MSEs in strengthening their enterprises.
Small Enterprise: small enterprises in the industrial sectors are an enterprise operating
with 6-30 persons and/or with a paid-up capital of total asset Birr 100,001(one hundred
thousand one) and not exceeding Birr 1.5 million. Similarly, in the service sector, small
enterprises are an enterprise operating with 6-30 persons and/or with a paid-up capital of
total asset Birr50,000 and not exceeding Birr 500,000(five hundred thousand). (Federal
Ethiopian, micro and small enterprise Development Agency 2011).
Women entrepreneurs: women in micro and small enterprises running their own
business rather than Employed in any organization.

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CHAPTER TWO: Review of Related Literature
2.1 Definitions of Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship may be defined as an innovative individual that always tries to
make ends meet by innovatively looking for cost-effective ways of doing things (Minniti,
2007), According to (Bygrave. H, 1983) the root of the word can be traced as far as eight
hundred years, to the French verb entreprndre, or “to do something” three hundred years
later, a noun form of the term appeared, and soon thereafter both verb and noun entered
the English language.
Today entrepreneurship is the dynamic process of creating incremental wealth.
The wealth is created by individuals, who assume the major risks in terms of equity, time,
and /or career commitment or provide value for some products or services. The product
or service may or may not be new or unique, but the value must somehow be infused by
the entrepreneur by receiving and locating the necessary skills and resources (Hisrich,
2005).
According to him, Entrepreneurship is the process of creating something new with
value devoting the time and effort, assuming the accompanying financial and social risks,
and receiving the resulting rewards of monetary, personal, satisfaction,and independence.
2.2. Theoretical Perspectives

2.2.1 Sociological Theory
The sociological theory of entrepreneurship holds social cultures as the driving
force of entrepreneurship. The entrepreneur becomes a role performer in conformity with
the role expectations of the society, and such role expectations base on religious beliefs,
taboos, and customs. (Weber.M,1920, p.15-27) held religion as the major driver of
entrepreneurship and stressed on the spirit of capitalism, which highlights economic

21
freedom and private enterprise. Capitalism thrives under the protestant work ethic that
harps on these values. The right combination of discipline and an adventurous free-spirit
define the successful entrepreneur.
2.2.2 Feminist theory
In the 1990s the need for a feminist theory of entrepreneurship arose because of
the many issues concerning women and entrepreneurship. This theory deals with political
and economic issues and also social rights (Ahl.H, 2012). The feminist approach 3 of
entrepreneurship made it possible to practice relations of gender and class and made it
useful for researching men‟s and women‟s economic activity. The application of the
feminist theory to entrepreneurship creates new relations between social aspects and
business owners, the organizational structure, and the industry choice (Ridder, Chotka,
2009). Within the feminist theory, three streams can be identified: the liberal feminist
theory, the social feminist theory, and the poststructuralist feminist theory. According to
the liberal feminist theory men and women are equal and that the secondary position of
women is due to discrimination or structural barriers. The social feminist theory sees men
and women as being different and feminine characteristics are seen more as a benefit than
a weakness. The third stream, the poststructuralist feminist theory is more concerned with
the constructs of masculine and feminine characteristics and the social effects of these
constructions. Gender is not based on the biological sex of a person, but rather on
masculinity and femininity. And according to this theory gender is something that is
“done”, “performed” or “accomplished” and less what something “is” (Vossenberg,
2013).
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This study would adopt Marxist and socialist feminism theory by Karl Marx. It is
a theory that recognizes women as an important factor in the development of an economy
because of their direct or indirect involvement in production. If you owned the means of
production, you were a member of the capitalist class; if you sold your labor for a wage,
you were a member of the proletariat. That would be true of women as well, except that
until the end of the 19th century, married women in capitalist countries were not allowed
to own property in their name; their profits from any businesses they ran and their wages
belonged to their husbands. Marx had no place for housewives in his analysis of
capitalism (Galloway, Kaposi, & Sang, 2015, p.683-697).
It was Marxist feminism that put housewives into the structure of capitalism.
Housewives are vital to capitalism, indeed to any industrial economy, because their
unpaid work in the home maintains bosses and workers and reproduces the next
generation of bosses and workers. Furthermore, if a bourgeois husband falls on hard
times, his wife can do genteel work in the home, such as dressmaking, to earn extra
money, or take a temporary or part-time job, usually white collar. And when a worker's
wages fall below the level needed to feed his family, as it often does, his wife can go out
to work for wages in factories or shops or other people's homes, or turn the home into a
small factory and put everyone, sometimes including the children, to work. The
housewife's labor, paid and unpaid, was for her family.
Marxist and socialist feminisms strictly criticize the family as a source of
women's oppression and exploitation. If a woman works for her family in the home, she
has to be supported, and so she is economically dependent on the "man of the house," as
her children. If she works outside the home, she is still expected to fulfill her domestic
23
duties, and so she ends up working twice as hard as a man, and usually for a lot less pay.
This source of gender inequality has been somewhat redressed in countries that give all
mothers paid leave before and after the birth of a child and that provide affordable
childcare. But that solution puts the burden of children totally on the mother and
encourages men to sit something out of family responsibilities altogether. They argue that
male-dominated government policies put the state's interests before those of women:
When the economy needs workers, the state pays for child-care leave; with a down-turn
in the economy, the state reduces the benefits. Similarly, when the state needs women to
have more children, it cuts back on abortions and contraceptive services.
This theory argues that social structures (workplace, family, and organizational
social life) affect women's access to entrepreneurial opportunities and may influence
sector choice (ILO, 2014, p.75-85). Occupational segregation, under-representation in an
upper-level management position, and expectations about family roles may restrict
women to certain industrial sectors. The extent to which these structural dimensions
affect women entrepreneurs depend greatly on the context and cultural norms for women
in that society. African society culturally has defined roles for men and women. Social
networks will, therefore, be investigated to determine their effect on the choice of
enterprises by women entrepreneurs.
2.2.3 Social Learning Theory
The Social Learning Theory emphasizes the role of entrepreneurial socialization
as an explanation of entrepreneurial behavior and career development. Social learning
can occur through the observation of behavior in others, often referred to as role models.
The individual socialization process which occurs in the family setting transmits social
24
norms, language, educational aspirations, and shape career preferences through
observation learning, and modeling. This informed the social networks as an independent
variable which could have an impact on sector choice by women entrepreneurs
(Mazonde, 2016).
2.2.4 Network Affiliation Theory
The Network Affiliation perspective views entrepreneurship as embedded in a
complex network of social relationships. Within this network, entrepreneurship is
facilitated or constrained by linkages between aspiring entrepreneurs, resources, and
opportunities (Murphy, 2017). According to this view, the presence or absence of
networks such as access or memberships in associations plays a role in influencing
enterprise sector choice. Women entrepreneurs are embedded in different personal and
social networks than men. These divisions and barriers limit the reach and diversity of
their networks hence have far-reaching consequences for the choice of the sector. There
is evidence that women‟s networks are different than men‟s (McConnell, 2007). This,
therefore, investigates the study of social networks as an independent variable on the
choice of the sector by a woman entrepreneur.
2.2.5 Human Capital Theory
This theory proposes that the level of education, area of education, previous
entrepreneurial experience, and previous business experience and business skills will
influence business sector choice. These are characteristics of demographic factors and
therefore form the basis of investigation of the same and their effect on the choice of the
sector by the women entrepreneurs (Fatoki. O, 2011, p.193-204) proposes education and
experience were antecedents to the decisions to start a company and ultimately affected
25
the sector. These studies have shown that years of formal education of the entrepreneur
before starting a new firm were related to eventual inclination towards a certain sector.
2.2.6 Financial Capital Theory
According to(Ngina. C, 2015, p.84-94) financial capital generally refers to saved-
up financial wealth especially that used to start or maintain a business. A financial
concept of capital is adopted by most entities in preparing their financial reports. Under a
financial concept of capital, such as invested money or invested purchasing power,
capital is synonymous with the net assets or equity of the entity. Under a physical concept
of capital, such as operating capability, capital is regarded as the productive capacity of
the entity based on, for example, units of output per day. Financial capital maintenance
can be measured in either nominal monetary units or units of constant purchasing power.
Financial capital has been subcategorized by some academics as economic or "productive
capital" necessary for operations, signaling capital which signals a company's financial
strength to shareholders, and regulatory capital which fulfills capital requirements for a
business (Ngila.T, 2013). This perspective implies that access to finance is critical for
enterprise choice and especially starting enterprises that require a lot of capital.
2.3 Empirical Literature
2.3.1 Women entrepreneurs in micro and small enterprises.
Micro and small enterprise in the economy of any country cannot be ignored;
most research dealing with economic planning have highlighted the significance of these
enterprises stating that they are a key player in realizing any country‟s economic goals.
The micro and small enterprises have been known to contribute to a large extent as a
source of innovation, entrepreneurial skills as well as a source of employment. For

26
example, statistics in 25 countries of the European Union show that 99% of the jobs
provided to its citizens come from the micro, small and medium scale enterprises (Rowe,
Montgomery, 2001).
Women entrepreneurs‟ in micro and small enterprises appear to be an important
means that contribute greatly toward the growth of gross domestic products and provide
job opportunities for both developing and developed countries (Khattab, 2010). Women,
entrepreneurs play a vital role in the economic development of the countries; arguably,
women entrepreneur‟s business performances are lower than men entrepreneurs
(Ocholah, 2012). A significant increase of women entrepreneurs has been exhibited in the
developed countries. Women entrepreneurs are women business owners‟ whose firm
reflects the characteristics of entrepreneurship and who have adopted implemented
entrepreneurial activities and processes. These women have recognized opportunities and
have successful resources to exploit opportunities. They have also driven and managed a
dynamic process involving change. Finally, they have created a new pattern of activity
which becomes a new wealth-creating business with potential for growth (Jemal, 2013,
p.96-139).
2.3.2 Women entrepreneurs in micro and small enterprises in Ethiopia
According to the Ethiopian Economic Association (2004), micro and small enterprises
operated by women entrepreneurs contribute significantly to the national economy in terms of
job creation and the alleviation of poverty but they are provided with little or no policy relate
support from the Ethiopian ministry of trade and industry. Women entrepreneurs in Ethiopia
often experience severe problems in terms of technical skills, raw materials, technology, and
infrastructure development as well as finance (Meheret, 2010). However, Micro and small
27
enterprises in Ethiopia have also been confronted with several challenges that obstructed their
success (Mekonnen, 2013, p.1-33) had pinpointed that inadequate infrastructure facility,
inadequate finance, and poor managerial skills were major challenges to MSEs successful
operations followed by marketing problem.
Many authors identified key factors success and failure women entrepreneurs in micro
and small enterprises. According to (Endalkachew, 2008) lack of capital was the major problem,
which leads to the failure of MSEs, among his findings 80% of them complained that lack of
capital was contributing to the malfunctioning of their business. Other causes that failure of
premise 80%, taxation 70%, poor market and information, 68%, and management problem 58%
that claimed the cause as a contributor to failure. Besides, environmental factors affect the
business which includes social, economic, cultural, legal, and technological factors. Besides,
there are also personal attitudes that affect the performance of MSEs, which are related to
training (Werotaw, 2010).
In Ethiopia, micro and small enterprise occupy the lion share from private sectors. It was
examined by (Andualem, 2003) that micro and small scale enterprise has the potential to address
unemployment issues and economic growth in the country. One half million Ethiopian people
earn their living by involving in the MSEs, among which women entrepreneurs are (Reta, 2000)
stated that a large number of women‟s involvement in MSEs attribute to the reduction of
poverty.
The findings of various studies may differ as an area of study, time, and methodology
employed. Tax levied on the business was a constraint for micro and small enterprises in Mekelle
town (Yissa, 2010, Simachew, 2011) on an empirical investigation of women entrepreneurship in
business management, marketing, business development service, financial and socio-cultural

28
were factors that affect women-owned in MSEs, Similar to the above study (Mulugeta,2010)
summarizes his findings on factors affecting the performance of women entrepreneurs in micro
and small scale enterprises in Dessie town into three areas. Also in Addis Ababa town
(Zinash,2014, Getu,2015). This is, economic, legal and administration and socio-cultural factors
were the major ones though no study is still conducted in Debark town beside the above studies
were using descriptive statistics to analyze the challenging factors of women-owned MSEs,
which is less likely to measure to what extent the identified factors challenge women-owned
MSEs, Moreover, they did not see the challenging of the following variables like demographic
factors challenges facing government support areas, and they did not see the effects of factors in
term of a regression model.
2.3.3 Women entrepreneurs in Micro and Small Enterprises in Amhara Region
Micro and small enterprise development program in the Amhara region
meaningfully has been given due to attention by the regional government. Micro and
small enterprises are still facing several constraints in their activities and development.
MSEs are unable to address the problems they faced on their own, even ineffectively
functioning market economies. The constraints related to the legal and regulatory
environments, access to market, finance, business, information, business premises,
managerial skills access to appropriate technology, access to infrastructure, and in some
cases of discrimination practice. On the other hand, the negative attitude of the public to
the significance of the sector due to cultural influence is on the other constraint to the
development of MSEs (Walelign and Wondimu, 2002).
There were many studies reviewed discussed factors affecting by MSEs in general
without focusing on the possible differences between men and women-owned in MSEs.
29
However, other studies have shown that, although women face similar constraints to their
men counterparts, there are also differences. Firstly, these „generic‟ constraints may
affect women differently from men and secondly, women may face additional constraints
as sited (Yared, 2009) stated Factors affecting micro and small enterprises Owned by
Women entrepreneurs in Selection and Acquisition of Commercial and Industrial
Premises. Women entrepreneurs lack knowledge of government procedures, taxation,
information on product markets, technology, and prices and they often do not know how
to access information on their business.
According to a study (Tigist, L. 2009) Central for African Women Economic
Empowerment (CAWEE), although some women entrepreneurs‟ as such as the Amhara
Women Entrepreneurs Association (AWEA) and Ethiopian Women Exporters
Association (EWEA) do try to provide services based on the needs of their members,
AWEAs generally remain weak for various reasons such as limited and narrow
membership base, low capacity to provide services, and weak organizational and
financial sustainability.
According to (Assegedech, 2009) as the past experiences showed successful enterprises
have been confronted challenges in transforming from small to medium level. One of the reasons
for this is the lack of incentive and support that fits their business. Although it is possible to
identify the challenges through research/study the following are some of the obstacles among
others. Access to credit is limited as it is associated with collateral, and MFI does not provide
credit. Lack of consistent and integrated technology and skill that helps to enhance and improve
productivity, quality, and standard, in additionally Failure in searching and providing alternatives
30
for women entrepreneurs in MSEs to be organized based on their interest as the act of
organization is carried out through their business.
2.4 Factors affecting entrepreneurship
As mentioned by (Mitchelmore, Rowley, 2013, p.125-142) the contribution of
women entrepreneurs towards economic development is widely known and discussed in
previous studies. It is supported by (Mattis, 2004) which proved that the numbers of
women entrepreneurs have been increased yearly. Although the rising significance of
women entrepreneurs in the world is gradually recognized, only a few studies are
discussed in this area (Brush, 2009, p.8-24). Similarly, in-depth studies on women
entrepreneurs in Thailand are also lacking (Kongsinsuwan, Johnson, 2008) thus, this
situation calls for more studies to be undertaken to fully understand the current
phenomenon.
There were many researchers discovered from past literature that many factors are
affecting the performance of women entrepreneurs. The majority of the studies agreed
that financial capital is among the main factors that affect business performance (Salwa,
Azahari, Tankin & Joni, 2013). While some reported that social capita as building social
networks among workgroups, suppliers, customers, government support, and others are
vital for women's business performance (Daud, 2010, p.135-155).While other researchers
found that training play a crucial role as most women are poor and no access to education
(Ibru, 2009). Many factors have been discussed as the key factors for the performance of
entrepreneurs and the business itself such as entrepreneurial orientation (Ayub, Aslam, &
Razzaq, 2013, p.82-90), individual characteristics (Teoh, Chong, 2007), human capital,
entrepreneurial competency (Mitchelmore, Rowley, 2013). Based on the discussion

31
above, this paper proposed the main economic, social, legal/administrative, and
demographic factors that could be affecting the performance of women entrepreneurs in a
micro and small enterprise.
2.5 Factors affecting the performance of women entrepreneurs in MSEs
2.5.1 Demographic factors
According to (Roy.T, 2017, p.1-11) established that previous experience is
necessary to start a business, thus the years of experience within a technological sector
imply more technological business opportunities identified. They also identified that
entrepreneurs who have been trained in certain business areas are more likely to start a
new business in the area of training and thus women who have been educated and trained
in high technology and have received an additional business education are more likely to
recognize high technology business opportunities in the sectors of the economy. They
propose that Age, marital status, education, and experience are the background to the
decisions to start a business. Their studies have shown that years of formal education of
the entrepreneur influenced starting a new firm in the area of training. The demographic
factors, particularly education, contribute to change of way of looking at things stated
that the high number of service-oriented businesses of the businesses reflected the
educational focus of women entrepreneurs.
2.5.2 Economic factors

A. Access to finance
Access to finance is the most key factor for entrepreneurs to peruse growth and
development opportunities for women entrepreneurs. According to the international
finance corporation (IFC, 2007), women entrepreneurs start their businesses with a lower
32
level of capital and smaller percentages of debt finance compared to men. Women
entrepreneurs also lack access to obtain loans. According to (Cantwell, 2014) states that
even 21st-century women entrepreneurs in the US are still facing challenges in getting fair
access to finance.
B. Access to markets
Women entrepreneurs are often not able to access the market in (Ewoh, 2014), in
his study of African women entrepreneurs found that women entrepreneurs lack the
knowledge, skills, and expertise necessary for developing markets, for managing the
production process. They may be restricted in their ability to travel and create new
contacts. Women entrepreneurs in developing countries sometimes face gender
harassment.
C. Access to training
Women entrepreneurs face many challenges in acquiring the required skills
for entrepreneurship in developing countries (Singh, Vema, 2010). Reported the lack
of access to training and advisory services is the main reason for the low
performance of women in a micro and small enterprise. The need for proper training
workshops becomes more relevant for them to gain more entrepreneurial skills.
Acquiring relevant training and workshops to learn entrepreneurship before setting
up and running a business is very crucial.
D. Access to premises
Women‟s enterprises tend to operate from inappropriate premises. Women
entrepreneurs‟ in micro and small enterprises, especially those operating face
significant problems in accessing appropriate and affordable premises. This is

33
particularly so for certain sectors such as food processing business activities where
regulations require that business accommodation should meet specific hygiene
standards, and in which women predominate (ILO, 2004). The issue of premises had
both obvious and indirect gender issues for women peruse. Women entrepreneurs by
the fact that they dominate the informal economy; suffer more than men regarding
problems to do with appropriate business space and premise
E. Access to information
Women in comparison to men usually have fewer business contacts, less access to
a professional organization or other business networks as most of the existing networks
are male-dominated. Since the majority of the women entrepreneur operate on the small
scale, so they find it difficult to have access to information (Farah, 2014) argued that the
lack of networking deprives women to have awareness and exposures to a good role
model that eventually lead to lowering their confidence level to or expand their business.
Furthermore, lack of information has been reported as one of the key factors affecting
entrepreneurs‟ performance in developing countries.
2.5.3 Social factors

According to (Growe, 2001) a major obstacle for women is the existence of
constraints imposed upon them by society, the family, and women themselves. They see
women still working in a society that often does not accept them as powerful and
influential business leaders. Relationships in many societies are structural hierarchically,
with women subordinate to men, and having less power, opportunity, and access to
resources. Relations between men and women in the family, the workplace, or in the
public area reflect how society understands appropriate male and female roles is thus an
34
obstacle that identifies women as not task-oriented enough, too dependent on feedback
and evaluations of others and lacking independence. negative attitudes and stereotypes
created by society towards the career women-owned business.
2.5.4 Legal/Administrative factors
According to (Tambunan, 2009, p.27-40) that established women, entrepreneurs
have problems in starting a business due to the lack of governmental support he further
noted that business formed by women are sometimes very small scale and may not even
be registered with the government this may due to complex registration procedures. Most
governments are putting efforts into encouraging women entrepreneurship but many
women are unaware of these schemes to promote their business (Itani, Sidan & Balbek,
2011, p.409-424). According to the convention for the elimination of all forms of
discrimination against women (CEDAW), women in Africa face more severe legal,
regulatory, and administrative barriers to starting and running their business. Most
women entrepreneurs have little access to policymaker bodies. Women entrepreneurs
lack access to information input into policymaking (ILO, 2008).
2.6 Conceptual Framework of the study

The conceptual framework can be defined as a set of broad ideas and principles
taken from relevant fields of inquiry and used to structure a subsequent presentation of
that a causal relationship exists when both the independent and dependent variables are
present with each unit of increase or decrease in the independent variables. Demographic,
economic, social, and legal/administration factors have been listed in the literature as
issues that have affected women entrepreneurs‟ performance directly to start their
enterprise (Sekaran, 2010).

35
The following figure summarizes the relationship among variables of the study.
Demographic factors
. Age
. Marital status
. Education level
. Experience
Economic factors
Socio-culture Factors
 Financial access
 Social acceptability
 Market access
 Network with outsider
 training access Women entrepreneur  Prejudice or class bias
 Premises Performance in MSEs
 Society employee attitude
 Information access
 Workforce relation
 Managerial skill
 Gender role conflict
 Technology
 Gender inequality
 Market Competence
 Cultural influence
Legal /Administrative factors

 Support from Govt.
 Network with Administrative bodies
 Access to policymakers
 Legal institutional & policy constraint
 Credit loan attached to collateral
 Interest Rate
 Bureaucratic & Red tape
 Tax levy on business
Figure 1 Conceptual framework
36
CHAPTER THREE: Research Methodology
3.1. Description of the study area
The study is conducted in northern Ethiopia, Amhara region, north Gondar zone
Debark town. Debark town is one of the towns in the Amhara region. Topographically
the town lies within an elevation range of 2600- 3000 meters above sea level. The annual
temperature of the town is 11-180C and the annual rainfall is 900-1800 mm. About 95%
of Debark residents are Ethiopian Orthodox Christians; the remainder is predominantly
Muslim (ECSA 2007). The vast majority of Debark residents speak Amharic as their
mother tongue. Debark town is the administrative and trading center of the zone. There
are five kebeles in the town administration according to the Debark town micro and small
enterprise development office socio-economic report. The town is locating at a distance
of 278 km north of the Amhara region the capital city of Bahir Dar has a total population
of 49,653 of which 52.13% are male and 47.87% female. According to data available
from the micro and small enterprise development office registered book (DTMSEDO,
2018), the women entrepreneurs a total of 254 (micro scale= 238, and small scale=16)
found in the town. These profiles get from the north Gondar zone Debark town micro and
small enterprise development office annual report (DTMSEDO, 2018).

37
Map of Debark Town
Source; map of Debark town, including surrounding kebeles and woredas (Zemede, 2014)
3.2. Research design
This research was employed in descriptive research design; this study also
employed a cross-sectional survey in the sense that all relevant data are collected at a
single point in time. The method of the study emerges the nature of the problem and the
purpose of the study (Makena, Thiamine, & Kubaison, 2014). The main purpose of this
study is to investigate the main factors that affect the performance of women
entrepreneurs in micro and small enterprises in Debark town. According to (Adnasu,
2012) mixing quantitative and qualitative approaches gives the potential to cover each
method‟s weaknesses with strengths from the other methods.
In this study, both qualitative and quantitative data are required to address the
objectives of the study, because the researcher gets that to capture the full picture of the
problem, Specifically, the study is used a mixed-methods approach suitable for
collecting, analyzing, and combining qualitative and quantitative data (Creswell. J,2009)
to produce a holistic representation of the research problem the adoption of such an

38
approach is justified by the advantage it avails by way of generating adequate and
complete data which is impossible if either quantitative or qualitative method was
employed. Thus, the study is employed in descriptive and explanatory research methods.
A quantitative method is used to show the factors that affect the performance of women
entrepreneurs in micro and enterprise. The researcher also uses qualitative methods as the
qualitative method to obtain information from the participants. Qualitative research is
taken as important to obtain rich data about real-life people and situations and being more
able to make sense of performance and to understand manners within its wider context.
To this end, the first quantitative and then qualitative data is gathered.
3.3 Sample survey
This study is used probability sampling the population participates in the survey
has been select by using stratified sampling techniques. When proper procedures are
used, probability sampling gives the best assurance that the resulting sample represents
the population. This research was employed in descriptive research. First, the major
purpose of a descriptive survey was employed in the study to assess the key factors that
affect the performance of women entrepreneurs‟ in micro and small enterprises at Debark
town. The reason for using this method is that it enables us to describe the different
factors that affect the performance of women entrepreneurs in micro and small
enterprises as they exist. The reason for preferring a cross-sectional study is due to the
vast nature of the study and the limitation of time. And obtaining information from a
cross-section of a population at a single point in time is a reasonable strategy for pursuing
many descriptive types of research (Admasu, 2012). Therefore, for this study, the target
39
populations are selecting the respondents among 254 using the stratified sampling
method.
3.3.1 Target population
The target population of this study is all women entrepreneurs are found at
Debark town. As indicated above, the total number of women entrepreneurs in the micro
and small enterprise is a registered book (DTMSEDO, 2018) in Debark town
Administration micro and small enterprise development office is 254 (micro scale=238
and small scale=16). Therefore, the samples are selected from this target population.
3.3.2 Participants
A total of 155 women entrepreneurs are selected from the target population as
participants of the study. The roles of these participants are providing information to
produce quantitative data. Also, four-team leaders from micro and small enterprise
development office, three deans from Technical vocational education training college,
and one manager & two higher officers from Amhara credit and saving microfinance
institution at the Debark branch participate, the total of 10 key-informants are involved in
the study as key informants to provide qualitative data. Thus, both quantitative and
qualitative data studies are 165 participants' involvement.
3.3.3 Sample size determination
The study used stratified random sampling to select in Debark Administrative
town. The total number of the target population is 254. Hence, to decide the sample size
to be selected from this target population, and the study used Yamane‟s formula, 155
samples are taken from the above target population. Taking this into account, the sample
size of the study is calculating as follows:

40
The sample size is determined based on (Yamane, 1967) with a precision level of
±5 and with a confidence coefficient of 95% and the following equations applied. So the
formula is, Where N= the total number of target population, n = the
required sample size, e= maximum variability or margin of error 5% (0.05). Thus, N=
254 e= 0.05. = .35
Therefore, 155 (61%) sample size is selected for this study. This study was used
stratified sampling techniques to select in micro and small enterprises in different sectors.
To do this first the researcher acquired all women entrepreneurs‟ data lists from the
Debark town micro and small enterprises development office. This is mainly preferred to
adequately segregate and identify the factors of affecting women entrepreneurs in micro
and small enterprises by their sectors.
Table 1sample size of respondents
S/n Key sectors (strata) Total population Sample size
1 Manufacturing 40 24
2 Urban agriculture 9 6
3 Service 57 35
4 Trade 148 90
Total 254 155
Source: Debark town Micro and Small Enterprises Development office MSE‟s registered book, Jun 2019
From these sectors the study is allocated proportionally to take the desire sample
sizes from each sector of women entrepreneurs in micro and small enterprises;
41
accordingly, 24, 6, 35, and 90 enterprises‟ are a plan to be surveyed from each sector's
women entrepreneurs‟ enterprises respectively.
Accordingly, 155 respondents are selecting from a total of 254 micro and small
enterprises. These 155 respondents are select from the manufacturing sector, urban
agriculture sector, Service Sector, and Trade sector on a proportional basis. Therefore,
[(40/254) x 155] = 24 manufacturing sector out of 40, [(9/254) x 155] =6 Urban
agriculture sector out of 9, [(57/254) x 155] =35 service sector out of 57 and, [(148/254)
x 155] = 90 trade sector out of 148 was selected.
3.3.4 Variables Measurements
The selection of performance measures that reflect the true situation of small
businesses with some degree of certainty and reliability is a crucial process (Ahmad,
2011, p.148). The lack of universally accepted standard performance measures left the
door open to business organizations to decide and choose their performance measures
that might not truly reflect their performance. Such performance measures include but are
not limited to market share, sales volume, company reputation, return-on-investment,
profitability, and established corporate identity. While some might argue that most of
these performance measures are appropriate for large corporations, they are not always
perfectly applicable to small businesses.
In this study, change in profit is used as a dependent variable to measure the
performance of MSEs; here the change in profit ratio data is used as the measure of the
dependent variable performance of the enterprises involved in the survey. This is mainly
because of the following three reasons. First, as the pilot study indicates, MSEs are more
focuses on profitability than other modes of performance measures. Second, as

42
recommended by (Ahmad, 2011) a change in profit has been widely adopted by most
researchers and third, the performance of the current status of business expanding,
declining, or stable.
3.3.5 Sampling Techniques and Procedures
As indicated above, participants are selected from the four sectors thus; each
sector had considered a stratum, and a complete list of all women entrepreneurs from
each sector would obtain from the registrar. Hence, by using a stratified random sampling
technique, samples from each sector are taken proportionally. In this study, the researcher
used of stratified sampling technique is appropriate as it enables the researcher to select
samples from each stratum and hence, increases sample representativeness. On the other
hand, using a purposive sampling technique, key informants are selected among
governmental institutions team leaders, Deans, managers, and officers of the town. To
this end, team leaders, Deans, managers, and officers who have more experience for
support women entrepreneurs in micro and small enterprises at the town are involved in
the interview sessions.
3.3.6 Sources of data
The data for this study is collected from both primary and secondary sources.
Primary sources are they structured questionnaire respondents and Semi-structured
interviewee. Also, the secondary sources collected from a variety of books, published
and/or unpublished government documents, websites, reports, and newsletters are
reviewed to make the study fruitful.

43
3.3.7 Data collection instruments
In this study data, collection instruments were used to collect the required data.
The structured questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data.
3.3.7.1 Structured questionnaire
The instruments are developing based on the objectives of the study and the
research questions. The principles of questionnaires such as, use simple and clear
languages, statements should not be too long and the use of appropriate punctuations is
also considered when developing the instrument. The literature in this study was used as
a guideline for the development of the questions in the questionnaire.
This questionnaire is prepared by the researcher with revising literature
obtainable factors affecting the performance of women entrepreneurs in a micro small
enterprise. In specific terms, the questionnaire is assessing the respondents‟ agreement or
disagreement with items dealing with types in the study area. Also, a closed-ended
structured questionnaire was applied. To this end, the questionnaire prepared in a five-
point Likert scale ranking Where 5=strongly agree, 4 = agree, 3 = undecided, 2 =
disagree, and 1= strongly disagree. The questionnaires have four major parts and 47
items. Part one is consists of items focusing on the demographics of the respondents. Part
two is consists of attributes of women entrepreneurs in a micro and small enterprise. Part
three is consist of factors affecting women entrepreneurs‟ performance in micro and
small enterprise and part four is consist of what challenges facing women entrepreneurs
by governmental institutions the support areas of Technical Vocational education and
training college.
44
The instruments are designed in such ways that can strengthen the viability of the
study. The questionnaires are designed both in English and Amharic languages. The
purpose of translating from English to the Amharic language is easy to understand the
questionnaire mean.
3.4 In-depth interview
Besides, for the qualitative aspect of the study, key informants are select from
Debark town micro, and Small Enterprise Development Office (DTMSEDO), Technical
Vocational Education and Training College (TVET), and Amhara credit & saving
microfinance institution Debark Branch (ACSMFIDB) by using purposive/judgmental
sampling techniques to conduct semi-structured interviews. The researcher used this
technique to get information on factors undermining women entrepreneurs in micro and
small enterprises in economic, social, and legal/administration access like market,
technology, premises, training, credit, collateral, Public acceptance, Attitude toward
women-owned business, government policy and bureaucracy the support gain women
entrepreneurs from governmental institutions.
This study also used non-probability methods the population participates in the
interview has been select by using purposive/judgmental techniques. For the qualitative
aspect of the study, key informants are selected from Debark town. These key informants
who are 10 in number, that is, four-team leaders from micro and small enterprise
development office (DTMSEDO), three deans from Technical vocational education and
training College (TVET) and one manager and two higher officers from Amhara credit
and saving microfinance institution at Debark branch (ACSMFIDB) is purposefully
select for interview. The interview guides utilize semi-structured interviews in the
45
Amharic language because the discussion is in Amharic while making interviews with
leaders and officers. All interview sessions have been voice and audio recorded.
3.4.1 Semi-structured interview guide
As indicated previously, qualitative data is collected to support the quantitative
findings thus, a semi-structured interview guide prepared by the researcher. An item that
is included in the semi-structured interview guide is allied to each objective of the study.
An in-depth interview is conducted to obtain rich information on issues related to the
main factors affecting women entrepreneurs‟ performance from selected Team leaders,
Deans, managers, and officers. (Emanuel, 2016), argue that semi-structured interviews
have widely been used in social science research. It is a less structured form of an
interview, in which the topic and issues to be addressed are predetermined in advance by
the researcher. In a semi-structured interview, the exact question wording does not need
to be used. When handled well, the situation can sound almost like an open conversation
between the interviewers and interviewees. This is helping the researcher to gain more
informative answers. In a semi-structured interview, the order of questions can be
changed and some of the questions might stay uncovered or the format of the questions
might change (Marina, 2015).
3.5 Reliability and validity testing
Validity is defined as the accuracy and meaningfulness of inferences which are
based on the research results. It is the degree to which results obtained from the analysis
of the data represent the phenomena under the study. A pilot study was conducted to
refine the methodology and test instruments such as a questionnaire before administrating
the final phase. Proper detection by an advisor was also taken to ensure the validity of the
46
instruments. Finally, the improved version of questionnaires was printed, duplicated, and
dispatched. Moreover, to have a valid conclusion and an inferential statistical model was
used to test the relationship between the variables.
The instruments are designed in such ways that can strengthen the viability of the
study. As indicated above, data collection instruments are prepared by the researcher by
revising literature relevant to the issue under consideration. Therefore, before the
instruments are used to collect the actual data, these had to be pilot tested. Especially, the
questionnaire had to be pilot tested using the data to be collected from 20 women
entrepreneurs who are free to respondents to 32 items included. Therefore, reliability
testing (inter-item consistency) is conducted using Cronbach's Alpha coefficient for the
instrument was found as 0.98 which is highly reliable (Adimasu, 2012). Moreover, to
ensure the content validity of the instruments, both the structured questionnaire and the
semi-structured interview guide are submitted to the Advisors and later amendments were
made as per the recommendation was accepted.
3.6 Methods of data analysis
This study has used the method of data analysis in Combinations with
quantitative and qualitative data analysis methods are employing to analyze the data. The
quantitative data would enter in Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20
and the data is analyzed by using statistical measures such as Numbers, percentages,
independent sample t-test.
The qualitative data is analyzed through narration, description, and interpretation.
Then, the results are present with tables. This is the further transformation of the process
47
data to look for patterns and relationships between and/or among data groups by using
descriptive analysis.
3.6.1. Descriptive Analysis
Descriptive analysis is used to reduce the data into a summary format by
tabulation and measure of central tendency (mean and standard deviation) Moreover,
describe the key factors and attributes of women entrepreneurs in micro and small
enterprises. The reason for using descriptive analysis is to compare the different factors.
3.6.2 Inferential Analysis
According to (Raheem, 2013) inferential statistics allows concluding from the
data through analysis of the association between two or more variables and how several
independent variables might explain the variance in a dependent variable. The following
inferential statistical methods are used in this study. When comparing two different
variables, one questions come to mind: “Is there a association between two variables?”
This questions can be answered usin correlation. The correlation answers how strong the
linear association.
3.6.3 The Pearson Product Moment Correlation or association Coefficient
According to (Makena, et al, 2014) inferences have very important in research.
To ascertain whether a statistically significant relationship exists between economic,
socio-culture, and legal/administration factors with women entrepreneurs‟ performance,
the Product Moment Correlation Coefficient is used.
According to (Murphy, 2017) the correlation coefficient can range from -1 to +1.
The value of -1 represents a perfect negative correlation while a value of +1 represents a
perfect positive correlation. A value of 0 correlations represents no relationship. The

48
results of the correlation coefficient may be interpreted as follows. Correlation coefficient
(-1.00 to -0.8], Strong, (-0.8 to -0.6] & (-0.6 to -0.4] Substantial & Medium and (-0.4 to
-0.2] Low the interpretation is Negative. It might be also (-0.2 to 0.2) Very Low, [0.2 to
0.4) Low, [0.4 to 0.6) & [0.6 to 0.8) Medium & Substantial and [0.8 to 1.00) Strong, the
interpretation is Positive. In this study, Pearson‟s Product Moment correlation coefficient
is used to determine the following relationships, the relationship between economic,
social, and legal/administration factors and women entrepreneurs‟ performance in a
micro and small enterprise.
3.7 Ethical consideration
Ethical considerations can be specified as one of the most important parts of the
research. The researcher is provided with information to keep the confidentiality of the
respondents and the researcher shows this by telling the subjects the aim of the research
and proposed outcomes. All the research participants included in this study are
appropriately informed about the purpose of the research and their willingness and
consent are secured before the commencement of distributing questionnaires and asking
interview questions. Regarding the right to privacy of the respondents, the study
maintains the confidentiality of the identity of each participant.

49
CHAPTER FOUR: Introduction
4.1 Data Presentation, Analysis, and Discussions
This chapter presents and analyzes the data collected and the discussions it
accordingly. First, the demographic profile of respondents, second the Attributes of
women entrepreneurs in MSEs, are analyzed. Both are analyzed using Numbers and
percentages. Thirdly, the data related to the factors that affect the performance of women
entrepreneurs and the fourth Challenge facing the governmental institution's support
areas of respondents are presented and analyzed. Mean and standard deviations are used
for the presentation and analysis of these parts. Finally, the results of inferential statistics
discussions are made based on the data presented and analyzed.
One hundred fifty-five (155) questionnaires were distributed, 150 were properly
filled and collected. This amount of 96.77% of the total respondents since this is adequate
to make the analysis, all these groups of respondents.
4.2 Data presentation and analysis
4.2.1 The demographic profiles of respondents
The following table summarizes the demographic profiles of respondents by Age,
Level of education, work experience, and marital status this was important to determine
women entrepreneurs‟ performance.
Table 2 Age Category
Age Number percentage
below 20 Years 6 4
21-30 Years 86 57
50
31-40 years 46 31
above 40 years 12 8
Total 150 100
Source: (own survey, 2019)
As shown, in table 2, the Majority of the respondents are within the category of
21-30 years (57%) followed by those under the category of 31-40 years (31%). The
remaining 8% and 4% of the respondents are under the age category of above 40 years
and below 20 years. It is clearly shown that the majority of the respondents are in an age
where they are active, matured, and productive age categories which have a positive
influence on an entrepreneur‟s business.
Table 3 Educational level
Educational level Number percentage

Illiterates 6 4
Grades 1-4 14 9
Grades 5-9 50 33
Grades 10 or 12 complete 52 35
10+1 &10+2 14 9
10+3 /diploma 10 7
BA/BSC & above 4 3
Total 150 100
As shown, in table 3, the majority (35%) of they have grade 10th or 12th complete
followed by those who have grade 5-9th (33%), 10+1 &10+2(9%), grade 1-4th (9%), 10+3
or diploma holder (7%). The remaining degree and above (3%) and illiterates are (4%).
51
This is shown that the majority of the respondents are educated even though they are
lower level educated which has a positive influence on the entrepreneur‟s business
performance.
Table 4 Work experience
Work experience Number percentage
Less than 1 year 42 28
1-5 years 81 54
6-10 years 14 9
Greater than 10 years 13 9
Total 150 100
As shown in table 4, respondents were asked about work experience before
starting their own business. The majority (54%) of them have 1-5 years experience
followed by those who have less than one year (28%) of them have the experience, the
remaining 6-10 years (9%) and above 10 years (9%) of they have experienced.
The fact that (28%) of women entrepreneurs businesses are less than one year in
existence implies that the businesses are under the incubation or starting period which
requires stakeholders to play their role so that the social and economic benefits from each
business under this period realized. The reader needs to note that the study shows that a
considerable number (28%) of women entrepreneurs‟ businesses are less than one year in
existence.
52
Table 5 Marital status
Marital status Number percentage
Married 72 48
Single 71 47
Divorced 7 5
Total 150 100
As shown in table 5, the majority of (48%) are married followed by a single of
(47%). The remaining 5% of divorced and 0% widowed. The majority of women
entrepreneurs understudies are found to be married may imply that they are not only
business owners but also they are responsible citizens as well as nurtures of the next
generation.
4.2.2 Attributes of women entrepreneurs in micro and small enterprise
Table 6 Family sizes
Family size Number percentage

Less than 3 105 70
4-5 29 19
more than 5 16 11
Total 150 100
As shown in table 6, the family size (70%) of the respondents have a family size
less than 3 followed the family size (19%) of the respondents have 4-5 family members.
The remaining (11%) have more than five family members. As many studies show
women entrepreneurs are too occupied with family responsibilities that take away lots of
53
their time, as a result, make them unable to concentrate on the enterprise and unable to be
part of a business network and lack of information. From this table, we can see that the
majority (70%) of women entrepreneurs have the smallest family size of less than three
family members which may have opportunities for their business running activity.
Table 7 type of business Sector
What Types of Business Sector Number percentage
Manufacturing 24 16
Urban agriculture 6 4
Trade 85 57
Service 35 23
Total 150 100
As shown in table 7, briefly explained shows the respondents are (57%) of
engaged in the trade sectors, (23%) of engaged in the service sectors, (16%) of engaged
in the manufacturing sectors, and the remaining (4%) of engaged in the Urban
agricultures. Hence it is wise to say that women entrepreneurs must be changed their
business types of sectors from trade and service to manufacturing sectors because the
national priority agenda is to have the export-led industrial economy.
Table 8 Number of employees
Number of employees in the enterprise Number percentage
Less than 5 138 92
6-10 12 8
54
11-15 0 0
more than 15 0 0
Total 150 100
As shown in table 8, as an entrepreneur, the majority of the women entrepreneurs
are engaged full-time in their business that is their business is providing them with full-
time employment. In many cases, women‟s business was also generating employment for
other future citizens. The respondent's answers for the number of employment
opportunities generated by their business, 92% of they have less than five employees, 8%
of they have 6-10 employees, and the remaining 0% have employees‟ opportunities.
Table 9 Types of Business Ownership
Types of business Number percentage
Sole-proprietorship 135 90
partnership 13 9
Cooperative 2 1
Total 150 100
As shown in Table 9, (90%) of the respondents owned their business as Sole-
proprietorship, 9% of which are a partnership. 1% of them are organized as a cooperative.
The results demonstrate that since the majority (90%) of the businesses are solely owned,
eventually they are less benefited, not only from accessing loan opportunities but also
access to fair free premises by government. On the other hand, the cooperatives get the
advantages of having a new partner that get collective knowledge and initial capital
55
further inject new business ideas and ways of doing things which may ensure the
survivals of the business as well as getting priorities for a group-based loan that requires
group guarantees and fair free workplace mainly given by governments.
Table 10 Reasons to start your own business
Preferred or interested to start own business Number percentage
Family trend 30 20
To be self-employed 70 47
Brings high income 9 6
No other alternative for incomes 41 27
Total 150 100
The motivations behind establishing their businesses are many and vary from
individual to individual as there are several pushes and pull factors that attract women to
the world of entrepreneurship (Senait,2018). On Ethiopian entrepreneur's interest in
starting their own business including business brings high income to be self-employed and
the amount of investment required is small. Further, in this study, when multiple responses
were taken into account, similar profiles of preferences appeared with more emphasis.
As shown in table 10, 47 % of the respondents started their own business
because they wanted to be self-employed. Followed by 27% of the respondents had no
other alternative for income and others 20% of the respondents established their own
business because it is a family business trend. The remaining (6%) of the respondents
established their businesses believing that it brings high income.

56
Table 11 Initiators of to start the business
A motivator to started the business Number percentage
Myself alone 130 87
With the family 18 12
With a friend/partner 2 1
Total 150 100
As indicated in table 11, briefly shows the majority (87%) of the respondents
answered to started business with their initiation, (12%) of the respondents to start a
business with their family initiation, the remaining (1%) of the respondents to start their
own business with friend/partners initiations.
Table 12 Family entrepreneurial history and source of skills for starting a business
Skills acquire to run the business Number percentage
from formal training 34 23
From informal 77 51
From family 39 26
Total 150 100
As indicated in table 12, clearly explained, the respondents were asked where they
acquire the skills for running their own business. The majority (51%) of the respondents
said from friends informally, (26%) of the respondents said from family, and (23%) of
the respondents said from formal training institutions. View of the result, it indicates the
57
majority of skills acquired from friends informally then they need on job train program
by concerned bodies.
Family entrepreneurs Number percentage
Yes 39 26
No 111 74
Total 150 100
It is possible shown that, 74% of the entrepreneurs respond that they have no
family members who were an entrepreneur. It is only 26% of who have an entrepreneur
in their family.
Family relation entrepreneurs Number percentage
Father 15 38
Mother 8 21
Brother 7 18
Sister 4 10
Grandfather 3 8
Grandmother 2 5
Total 39 100
As indicated those women who respondents of having an entrepreneur family,
38% of them respond that their fathers are entrepreneurs, 21% of them respond that their
mothers are entrepreneurs, 18% of them respond that their brothers are entrepreneurs,
10% of them respond that their sisters are entrepreneurs, 8% of responding them that
58
their grandfathers are entrepreneurs and 5% of them respond that their grandmothers are
entrepreneurs.
Table 13 Source of startup funding of respondents
Source of initial capital Number percentage
Personal saving 69 46
Family support 40 27
Credit from friends 10 7
Micro-finance institutions 29 19
Support from friends 2 1
Total 150 100
As indicated in table 13, it is clearly shown regarding funding source for the start-up
capital 46% of the respondents got their funding sources from personal savings, followed by
27% of the respondent's support from their families. Besides, 19% of the respondents confirmed
that their funding source is from micro-finance institutions, 7% of the respondents got credit
from their friends and 1% of the respondents got support from their friends. The remaining banks
and NGOs are no contributed to funding sources for the respondents. Similarly, as per
(Desta, 2010) desk review of studies conducted on women entrepreneurs in Ethiopia, 89% of
start-up capital was from own savings, borrowing from friends, and assistance from families and
friends. This shows that formal financial institutions contribute in this regard is very limited to
start-up women-owned business at micro and small enterprises level

59
Table 14 Performance of the current status of her business
Performance current status of the business Number percentage
Expanding 93 62
Declining 37 25
Stable 20 13
Total 150 100
As indicated in Table 14, the majority (62%) of the respondents said their business is
expanding with an increase in their income and activities. Most importantly, all of the 93
respondents said that they have increased their savings due to the growth in their business. On
the contrary, 25% of the respondents said that they have to decline their business‟s incomes
and activities. The remaining 13% of the respondents said that their business becomes stabled
and stagnant. This shows that there could be other challenges that hinder the growth of the
women-owned business in micro and small enterprises.
4.2.3 Factors affecting women entrepreneurs‟ performance in MSEs
4.2.3.1 Economic factors

Table 15 Economic factors
sn Factors Std SA AG UD SDA DA

Mean Deviation
1 financial access 2.04 .72 6 44 0 4 96

4% 29% 0% 3% 64%
2 Have market access 2.79 .48 3 51 0 2 94
2% 34% 0% 1% 63%
3 Have training access 2.59 .64 9 47 0 3 91
6% 31% 0% 2% 61%
4 Have premises access 2.29 .61 12 83 0 3 52
8% 55% 0% 2% 35%
60
5 Have information access 1.84 .57 0 53 0 9 88
0% 35% 0% 6% 59%
6 Have managerial skills 1.79 .44 0 60 0 2 88
0% 40% 0% 1% 59%
7 Have technology access 2.67 .60 5 47 0 8% 90
4% 31% 0% 5% 60%
8 Have market competitions 2.89 1.02 3 64 5 1 77

2% 43% 3% 1% 51%
Source: (own survey, 2019), SA= Strong agree, AG= Agree, UD= Undecided, SDA=Strong
disagree, and DA= Disagree.
Table 15 presents the mean, standard deviation, and percentage scores of respondents
on the economic factors affecting the performance of women entrepreneurs‟ in micro and
small enterprise. As indicated, 29% of the respondents have agreed that they are satisfied with
the financial access given to them by financial institutions. On the contrary, 64% of the
respondents have disagreed that they are not satisfied with the financial access given to them by
financial institutions Similarly in this regard in an interview conducted with the Amhara credit
and saving micro-finance institution‟s manager and officers at Debark town, it was confirmed
the financial access was not enough to supply for women entrepreneurs in micro and small
enterprises. As shown, 34% of the respondents have agreed that they have got market linkage
access to them by government micro and small enterprise development office leaders. On the
contrary, 63% of the respondents have disagreed that they have not got with market linkage
access to them by the government. According to an interview conducted with micro and small
enterprise development office team leaders, similarly confirmed the market linkage access not
enough facilities for women entrepreneurs in a micro and small enterprise. As shown, 31% of
the respondents have agreed that they have got with training access to them by government
micro and small enterprise development office leaders. 61% of the respondents have disagreed
61
that they have not got with training access to them by the government. According to an
interview conducted with micro and small enterprise development office team leaders, similarly
confirmed the training access not enough facilities for women entrepreneurs in micro and small
enterprises. As shown, 55% of the respondents have agreed that they have got with premises
access to them by government micro and small enterprise development office leaders.
According to an interview conducted with micro and small enterprise development office team
leaders, similarly confirmed the working place given for women entrepreneurs in micro and
small enterprises. On the other hand, 35% of the respondents have disagreed that they have not
got with premises access to them by government micro and small enterprise development office
leaders. As indicated, 35% of the respondents have agreed that they have got with information
access to them by government micro and small enterprise development office leaders. 59% of
the respondents have disagreed that they have not got with information access to them by the
government. According to an interview conducted with micro and small enterprise
development office team leaders, similarly confirmed the information access not enough for
women entrepreneurs in micro and small enterprises. As shown, 40% of the respondents have
agreed that they have got with managerial skills improve to them by government micro and
small enterprise development office leaders. On the other hand, 59% of the respondents have
disagreed that they have not got with managerial skills improve to them by the government.
According to the interview conducted with micro and small enterprise development office team
leaders, on the contrary, confirmed the managerial skills have improved women entrepreneurs
in micro and small enterprises. As indicated, 60% of the respondents have disagreed that they
have not got with technology access to them by government micro and small enterprise
development office leaders. According to an interview conducted with micro and small
62
enterprise development office team leaders, similarly confirmed that they have not got
technology access women entrepreneurs in micro and small enterprises. On the other hand,
31% of the respondents have agreed that they have with technology access to them by
government micro and small enterprise development office leaders. As indicated, 43% of the
respondents have agreed that they have got with market competition access to them by
government micro and small enterprise development office leaders. On the other hand, 51% of
the respondents have disagreed that they have not got with market competition access to them
by government micro and small enterprise development office leaders. Therefore, the majority
of respondents' analysis explained that economic factors affecting the performance of women
entrepreneurs‟ in micro and small enterprises.
4.2.3.2 Socio-culture factors
Table 16 Socio-culture factors
s.n Factors Mean Std SA AG UD SDA DA

Deviation
1 Have social acceptability 2.73 1.02 8 79 8 0 55

5% 53% 5% 0% 37%
2 Have Networks access 2.49 .60 58 66 0 0 76
% 44% 0% 0% 51%
3 There are no Class biases 2.28 .59 9 94 0 2 45
6% 63% 0% 2% 30%
4 Society's attitude positive 2.69 1.00 6 88 3 3 50
4% 59% 2% 2% 33%
5 Relationship with workforce 2.07 .34 4 132 14 0 0
3% 88% 9% 0% 0%
6 No conflicting gender roles 2.20 .51 7 106 2 0 35
5% 71% 1% 0% 23%
7 Have gender equality 2.43 .90 9 100 8 0 33
63
6% 67% 5% 0% 23%
8 No cultural influences 2.31 .92 18 97 6 0 29
12% 65% 4% 0% 19%
disagree, and DA= Disa gree.
Table 16 presents the mean, standard deviation, and percentage scores of
respondents on the economic factors affecting the performance of women entrepreneurs‟
in micro and small enterprise. As depicted, 53% of the respondents have agreed that they
have social acceptability with their service and products. According to an interview
conducted with micro and small enterprise development office team leaders, similarly
confirmed that they have social acceptability of women entrepreneurs in micro and small
enterprises. On the contrary, 37% of the respondents disagreed they have not social
acceptability of women entrepreneurs in micro and small enterprises. As depicted, 44%
of the respondents have agreed that they have network access with their business
approach. On the contrary, 51% of the respondents disagreed they have not to network
access with their business approach of women entrepreneurs in micro and small
enterprises. As depicted, 63% of the respondents have agreed that they have equal class
opportunities with their business. On the contrary, 30% of the respondents disagreed that
they have class biases with their business of women entrepreneurs in micro and small
enterprises. As depicted, 59% of the respondents have agreed that they have Society‟s
attitude positive with their business. On the contrary, 33 of the respondents disagreed that
they have not got society's attitude positive with their business of women entrepreneurs in
micro and small enterprises. As depicted, 88% of the respondents have agreed that they
64
have a good work relationship with their business. According to an interview conducted
with micro and small enterprise development office team leaders, similarly confirmed
that they have a good approach for their customers and employees of women
entrepreneurs in micro and small enterprises. As depicted, 71% of the respondents have
agreed that they have equal gender roles with their business. On the contrary, 23% of the
respondents disagreed that there is not have equal gender roles with their business of
women entrepreneurs in micro and small enterprises. As depicted, 67% of the
respondents have agreed that they have gender equalities with their business. According
to an interview conducted with micro and small enterprise development office team
leaders, similarly confirmed that they have gender equalities of women entrepreneurs in
micro and small enterprises. On the contrary, 22% of the respondents disagreed that they
have gender inequalities with their business of women entrepreneurs in micro and small
enterprises. As depicted, 65% of the respondents have agreed that there are no cultural
influences with their business. According to an interview conducted with micro and small
enterprise development office team leaders, similarly confirmed that there is no cultural
influence of women entrepreneurs in micro and small enterprises. On the contrary, 19 %
of the respondents disagreed that they have cultural influences with their business of
women entrepreneurs in micro and small enterprises. Therefore, except for network
access, the majority of respondents' analysis explained that social factors are less
affecting the performance of women entrepreneurs‟ in micro and small enterprises.

65
4.2.3.3 Legal/administrative factors
Table 17 Legal/administrative factors
s. Factors Mean Std SA AG UD SDA DA

Deviation
n
1 Supporters of government bodies 2.72 .59 10 25 0 8 107

7% 17% 0% 5% 71%
2 Network administrative bodies 2.67 .78 12 27 0 7 104

8% 18% 0% 5% 69%
3 Have access to policymakers 2.01 .49 0 18 0 12 120
0% 12% 0% 8% 80%
4 No policy constraints 2.57 .56 2 64 0 3 81
1% 43% 0% 2% 54%
5 Have credit access 2.87 .45 2 25 0 8 115
1% 17% 0% 5% 77%
6 Reasonable credit interest rate 2.56 .66 0 29 15 4 102
0% 19% 10% 3% 68%
7 No bureaucracies and red tapes 2.15 .52 11 33 0 0 106
7% 22% 0% 0% 71%
8 There is reasonable income tax 2.75 .68 2 47 3 10 88
1% 31% 2% 7% 59%
respondents on the economic factors affecting the performance of women entrepreneurs‟
in micro and small enterprise. As shown, 17% of the respondents have agreed that they
have assistants and supporters of government bodies with their business. On the contrary,
71% of the respondents disagreed that they have not assistants and supporters of
government bodies with their business of women entrepreneurs in micro and small
66
enterprises. As shown, 18% of the respondents have agreed that they have a business
network with different administrative bodies with their business. On the contrary, 69% of
the respondents disagreed that they have not business network with different
administrative bodies for their business of women entrepreneurs in micro and small
enterprises. As shown, 12% of the respondents have agreed that they have access to
policymakers with their business. On the contrary, 80% of the respondents disagreed that
they have not accessed to policymakers with their business of women entrepreneurs in
micro and small enterprises. As shown, 43% of the respondents have agreed that there are
no institutional and policy constraints for their business. On the contrary, 54% of the
respondents disagreed that there are institutional and policy constraints for their business
of women entrepreneurs in micro and small enterprises. As shown, 17% of the
respondents have agreed that they have got with the credit access. On the contrary, 77%
of the respondents disagreed that they have not got with the credit access of women
entrepreneurs in micro and small enterprises. As hown, 19% of the respondents have
agreed that it is reasonable with the credit interest rate. On the contrary, 68% of the
respondents disagreed that it is not reasonable with the credit interest rate of women
entrepreneurs in micro and small enterprises. As shown, 22% of the respondents have
agreed that there are no bureaucracies and red tapes with getting the service from the
governmental office. On the contrary, 71% of the respondents disagreed that there are
bureaucracies and red tapes with getting the service from governmental offices for
women entrepreneurs in micro and small enterprises. As shown, 31% of the respondents
have agreed that it is reasonable with income tax payments. On the contrary, 59% of the
respondents disagreed that it is not reasonable with income tax payments of women
67
entrepreneurs in micro and small enterprises. Therefore, the majority of respondents'
analysis explained that legal/administrative factors affecting the performance of women
entrepreneurs‟ in micro and small enterprises.
4.2.4 Challenges facing women entrepreneurs in areas of governmrntal institutions
Women entrepreneurs in Debark town are experiencing business challenges lack
of training and support access. For the effective business run, women entrepreneurs
expressed that they need support from concerned government institutions.
Table 18 Challenges faced by women in areas of governmental institutions

s.n Factors Mean Std SA AG UD SDA DA
Deviation
1 Have got entrepreneurship training 2.78 .79 9 47 0 3 91

6% 31% 0% 2% 61%
2 Have got marketing training 2.73 .56 2 43 0 7 98
1% 29% 0% 5% 65%
3 Have got financial reporting training 2.66 .55 4 45 0 2 99
3% 30% 0% 1% 66%
4 Got machine maintenance training 2.83 .46 3 22 0 2 123
2% 15% 0% 1% 82%
5 Have got customer service training 2.75 .51 3 34 0 2 111
2% 23% 0% 1% 74%
6 Have got technical skill training 2.67 .50 2 45 0 0 103
1% 30% 0% 0% 69%
7 Got machine maintenance service 1.82 .44 0 30 0 3 117
0% 20% 0% 2% 78%
8 Have got technology supports 1.75 .48 0 41 0 3 106
0% 27% 0% 2% 71%

68
respondents on the economic factors that affecting the performance of women
entrepreneurs‟ in micro and small enterprise. As indicated, 31% of the respondents has
agreed that they have got entrepreneurship training access with their business. On the
contrary, 61% of the respondents disagreed that they have not got entrepreneurship
training access for their business of women entrepreneurs in micro and small enterprises
from technical vocational education and training colleges. As indicated, 29% of the
respondents have agreed that they have got marketing training access with their business.
On the contrary, 65% of the respondents disagreed that they have not got marketing
respondents have agreed that they have got planning and financial reporting training
access with their business. On the contrary, 66% of the respondents disagreed that they
have not got entrepreneurship training access for their business of women entrepreneurs
in micro and small enterprises from technical vocational education and training colleges.
As indicated, 15% of the respondents have agreed that they have got machine
maintenance training access with their business. On the contrary, 82% of the respondents
disagreed that they have not got machine maintenance training access for their business
of women entrepreneurs in micro and small enterprises from technical vocational
education and training colleges. As indicated, 23% of the respondents have agreed that
they have got customer service training access with their business. On the contrary, 74%
of the respondents disagreed that they have not got customer service training access for
their business of women entrepreneurs in micro and small enterprises from technical
69
vocational education and training colleges. As indicated, 30% of the respondents have
agreed that they have got technical skill training access with their business. On the
contrary, 69% of the respondents disagreed that they did not get have technical skill
respondents have agreed that they have got machine maintenance service access with
their business. On the contrary, 78% of the respondents disagreed that they have not got
machine maintenance service access for their business of women entrepreneurs in micro
and small enterprises from technical vocational education and training colleges. As
indicated, 27% of the respondents have agreed that they have got technology support
access with their business. On the contrary, 71% of the respondents disagreed that they
have not got technology supports access for their business of women entrepreneurs in
micro and small enterprises from technical vocational education and training colleges at
Debark. Therefore, the majority of respondents' analysis explained that challenges faced
women entrepreneurs‟ in micro and small enterprises by concerned governmental
institution supporter bodies.
4.2.5 Results of descriptive statistics
Respondents were asked different questions regarding the factors affecting
the performance of women entrepreneurs in micro and small enterprises at Debark town,
their responses are organized in the following manner.

70
Table 19 the central tendency of economic factors
Factors N Mean Std. Deviation severity rank
Have managerial skills access 150 1.79 .44 1st
Have market information access 150 1.84 .57 2nd
Have financial access 150 2.04 .72 3rd
Have premise access 150 2.29 .61 4th
Have training access 150 2.59 .64 5th
Have technology access 150 2.67 .60 6th
Have market linkage access 150 2.79 .48 7th
Have market competitions 150 2.89 1.02 8th
Grand mean/standard deviation 2.36 0.05
Several challenges affect the performance of women entrepreneurs in MSEs associated
with different factors this part explains the descriptive statistics calculated based on the factors
that affect the performance of women entrepreneurs of micro and small enterprises. The results
for measures of central tendency and dispersion were obtained from the samples of respondents
of economic variables are shown in the above tables.
It is discussed on the above (see table 15), women entrepreneurs disagreed they
have not got managerial skills, market information, and financial access in MSEs with the
concerned body. Also, table 19 indicates that women entrepreneurs in MSEs have the
lowest mean scores. Its mean scores (1.79, 1.84, and 2.04) and standard deviations (0.44,
0.57 and 0.72) are consecutively affected. The other mean scores are relatively highest
71
Table 20 the central tendency of social factors
Have relationship of workforce 150 2.07 .34 1st
Have No conflict gender roles 150 2.20 .51 2nd
Have No class-bias 150 2.28 .59 3rd
Have No culture influence 150 2.31 .92 4th
Have gender equality 150 2.43 .90 5th
Have Network access 150 2.49 .60 6th
Have Society‟s attitude positive 150 2.69 1.00 7th
Have Social acceptability 150 2.73 1.02 8th

As the above table 20, show the mean scores (2.07) and standard deviation (0.34) of the
respondents that women entrepreneurs in MSEs have not a good relationship with the
workforce. Similarly, they have no conflict gender roles, culture influence, and class-bias
that women entrepreneurs in MSEs have with an outsider is very low with a mean score
(2.20, 2.28, and 2.31) and standard deviation of (0.51, 0.59, and 0.92). By the same
token, issues of gender inequality, network access, and society‟s attitude positive and
social acceptability are not serious problems for women entrepreneurs in micro and small
enterprises as the table above shows very well.

72
Table 21 the central tendency of Legal/administrative factors
Std. severity
Factors N Mean Deviation rank
Have access to policymakers 150 2.01 .49 1st
Have No bureaucracies and .red tapes 150 2.15 .52 2nd
Have Credit interest rate fair 150 2.56 .66 3rd
Have No policy constraints‟ 150 2.57 .56 4th
Have a network with the administrative body 150 2.67 .78 5th
Have Support of government body 150 2.72 .59 6th
Have Income tax fair 150 2.75 .68 7th
Have Credit access 150 2.87 .45 8th
The lack of entrepreneurial culture reflected in education is a major challenge for
the expansion of entrepreneurship among women entrepreneurs. These good indicators
of social factors influence individuals running their businesses (Getu, 2015). The above
table shows the current status that these factors have impacted women entrepreneurs in
micro and small enterprises.
Different factors affect women entrepreneurs‟ performance. The above table
showed legal/administrative factors that affect the performance of women entrepreneurs
in micro and small enterprises.
As indicated in Table 21, clearly shown the respondents women entrepreneurs in
MSEs they disagree access policymakers and no bureaucracies & red tapes with
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concerned government bodies. Its mean scores (2.01 and 2.15) and standard deviation
(0.49 and 0.52) are lower than scores the grand mean. Similarly (see table, 17) women
entrepreneurs disagreed they have not to access policymakers and they faced
bureaucracies & red taps with concerned bodies. On the other hand, those women
entrepreneurs in MSEs have no policy constraints, have a network with the administrative
bodies, supports of government bodies, income tax fair, and have credit access. Its mean
scores (2.57, 2.67, 2.72, 2.75 and 2.87) and standard deviation (0.66, 0.56, 0.78., 0.59,
0.68 and 0.45) are consecutively affect women entrepreneurs performance in micro and
small enterprises.
Entrepreneurship training enables an individual to create to own business rather
than seeking employment in any organization. Even though the government institutions
are not expected to tackle all the problems that women entrepreneurs in MSEs, challenge
face, some supports can be taken as the responsibilities of those leaders and concerned
bodies. By the following table, it was tried to assess whether they are providing the
required supports to women entrepreneurs in MSEs or not.
Table 22 the challenges faced by women in areasof government institution
Have technology support 150 1.75 .48 1st
Have machine maintenance service 150 1.82 .44 2nd
Have a plan and finances. training 150 2.66 .55 3rd
Have technical skill training 150 2.67 .50 4th
Have market trainings 150 2.73 .56 5th

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Have customer service training 150 2.75 .51 6th
Have entrepreneurship training 150 2.78 .79 7th
Have machine maintenance training 150 2.83 .46 8th

As the above table 22, clearly shown the respondents of women entrepreneurs in
MSEs they disagree, technology supports and machine maintenance service with
technical vocational education and training institutions. Its mean scores (1.75 and 1.82)
and standard deviation (0.48 and 0, 44) are less than the scores grand mean.
On the other hand, those women entrepreneurs in MSEs have got plan &
financial, technical skills, market, customer service, entrepreneurship, and machine
maintenance training with government institutions. Its mean sores (2.66, 2.67, 2.73, 2.75,
2.78, and 2.83) and standard deviation (0.55, 0.50, 0.56, 0.51, 0.79, and 0.46) are more
than the scores grand mean consecutively.
Table 23 Comparison of the major factors affecting women entrepreneurs‟ performance
Grand Std. severity

Factors N mean Deviation rank
Economic 150 2.36 0.05 1st
Social 150 2.4 0.01 2rd
Legal/Administrative 150 2.54 0.05 4th
Challenges faced government institution support areas 150 2.50 0.04 3nd
Per the above table 23, clearly shown the grand mean (2.36) and the grand
standard deviation (0, 05) that the economic factors more affect than the others followed
by the social factors has a grand mean (2.4) and the grand standard deviation (0.01). The
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others also show that the impacts of challenges faced by government institution support
areas and legal/administrative factors as the grand mean (2.5 and 2.54) and the grand
standard deviation (0.04 and 0.05) depict.
4.2.6 Results of inferential statistics
In this section, the results of inferential statistics are presented, to assess the
objectives of the study. Pearson‟s product Movement correlation coefficient analysis
were performed with the aid of these statistical techniques, conclusions are drawn
concerning the sample, and decisions are made concerning the research questions.
4.2.6.1 Pearson‟s product Movement Correlation or association Coefficients
In this study, Pearson‟s product Movement correlation coefficient was used to
determine whether there is a significant association between independent variables
Financial, Market, Training, Premise, Information, Managerial skills, technology,
Market competitions, Social acceptability, Network access, No class biases, society‟s
attitude positive, Relationship of the workforce, No conflict gender roles, No gender
inequality, No culture influence and Support of government body, Network with
administrative body, Access to policymakers, Policy constraints‟, Credit access, Credit
interest rate fair, Bureaucracies and .red tapes, Income tax fair with performance.
The following section presents the results of Pearson‟s product Movement
assocition on the relationship between independent variables and dependent variables.
The table below indicates that the assocition coefficients for the relationships between
performance and its dependent variables are linear positive ranging from substantial to
strong association coefficients.

76
Table 24 the relationship between independent and dependent variables
Variables performance
Pearson Correlation 1
Performance P-Value
N 150
Pearson Correlation .759**
Financial P-Value .000
N 150
Market P-Value .000
N 150
Training P-Value .000
N 150
Premise P-Value .000
N 150
Information P-Value .000
N 150
Managerial skills P-Value .000
N 150
technology P-Value .000
N 150
Market competitions P-Value .000
N 150
77
Social acceptability P-Value .000

N 150
Network access P-Value .000
N 150
No class biases P-Value .000
N 150
society‟s attitude positive P-Value .000
N 150
Relationships of workforce P-Value .000
N 150
No conflict gender .roles P-Value .000
N 150
No gender inequality P-Value .000
N 150
No culture influence P-Value .000
N 150
Support of government body P-Value .000
N 150
Network with the administrative body P-Value .000
N 150
78
Access to policymakers P-Value .000

N 150
Policy constraints‟ P-Value .000
N 150
Credit access P-Value .000
N 150
Credit interest rate fair P-Value .000
N 150
**. Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (1-tailed).
There is clearly indicated in the table 24, a strong positive association was found
between work premise and performance (r= 0.813, p<0.01) and market competition and
performance (r=0.800, p<0.01), social acceptability and performance (r=0.871, p<0.01),
no class-biases and performance (r=0.809, p<0.01),society‟s attitude positive and
performance(r=0.891,p<0.01), no gender inequality and performance (r=0.833, p<0.01),
and no culture influence and performance(r=0.814, p<0.01), which are statistically
significant at 99% confidence level. This implies that at a 1% level of significance, it was
discovered that the work premise, market competition, social acceptability, no class-
biases, society‟s attitude positive, no gender inequality, no culture influence plays a
significant role in determining in the studied areas at Debark town.
Moreover, the table presents the association between the selected variables and
the performance of women entrepreneurs in MSEs for the sample of 150 women
entrepreneurs at Debark town. There are substantial, however, financial and performance
79
(r=0.759.p<0.01), marketing and performance (r=0.385,p<0.01), training and
performance (r=0.553, p<0.01), information and performance (r=0.660, p<0.01),
managerial skills and performance (r=0.430,p<0.01), technology and performance
(r=0.648, p<0.01), Network access and performance (r=0.606, p<0.01), Relationships of
workforce and performance (r=0.624, P<0.01), No conflict gender roles and performance
(r=0.767, P<0.01), income tax fair and performance (r=0.763, P<0.01), Bureaucracies‟
and performance (r=0.742, p<0.01), Access policymakers and performance (r=0.700,
p<0.01), policy constraints and performance (r=0.624, p<0.01), Credit interest rate fair
and performance(r=0.506, P<0.01), Network with administrative body and
performance(r=0.466, p<0.01), and credit access and performance(r=0.406, p<0.01),
support of government body and performance (r=0.339, p<0.01), which are statistically
significant at 99% confidence level.
These quantitative findings are also supported by qualitative findings obtained
from the analysis of qualitative data. More clearly, analysis of key informants interview
sessions provided various factors for affect women entrepreneurs in the study area. Key
informants were supported for the quantitative discussion. One the informants who were
a micro and small enterprise development office team leaders, Technical vocational
education and training college Deans, and the other Microfinance institution Manager and
experts had less support that leader and experts were not sufficient to support the women
entrepreneurs in terms of market linkage, information, premise, training, finance,
technical access, and technology supports, generally economical, social and legal facility.
Key informant interviewees indicated that concerned bodies could not deliver their
service effectively for women entrepreneurs‟ in micro and small enterprises.

80
The analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data obtained from participants
of the study has confirmed that women entrepreneurs are affected by various factors.
Widely, quantitative findings show that low family entrepreneurial experience, finance,
market, training, premise, information, technology access, managerial skills, and market
competitions are the main factors that affected women entrepreneurs‟ performance in
MSEs, also the socio-culture and lega/administrativel factors that affect their business
performance at the study town.
As discovered by the findings of this study, Factors affecting the performance of
women entrepreneurs by Economic, Socio-culture, Legal/administrative factors, and
challenges faced by women in areas of governmental institutions. As presented early, the
analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data provided that factors have various
effects of women entrepreneurs in micro and small enterprises.
Specifically, the quantitative findings show that have finance access, market
access, training access, premises access, information access, managerial skill, market
competition, social acceptability, network access, no class biases, society‟s attitude
positive, relationship with the workforce, no conflicting gender roles, have gender
equality, no culture influence, support of government bodies, network with administrative
bodies, access to policymakers, no policy constraints, have access reasonable credit
interest rate, no bureaucracies and there is the reasonable income tax. Moreover, the
qualitative data also provided that businesses become decline and stable relationships are
the leading causes of factors affecting women entrepreneurs in MSEs of the study area.
Women entrepreneurs have not got enough supports from concerned government
bodies. The micro and small enterprise development office team leaders gave insufficient
81
support, even though the technical vocational education training colleges try to assist
their business growth there is no special affirmative action. The micro-finance institution
manager and experts seem to no encourage approach for women entrepreneurs in a micro
and small enterprise.
In general, to explain factors in terms of theoretical perspective we use the
sociological theory of entrepreneurship to hold social cultures as the driving force of
entrepreneurship. The entrepreneur becomes a role performer in conformity with the role
expectations of the society, and such role expectations based on religious beliefs, taboos,
and customs (Weber.M,1920) held religion as the major driver of entrepreneurship.
Feminist theory deals with political and economic issues and also social rights (Ahl.H,
2012). The application of the feminist theory to entrepreneurship creates new relations
between social aspects and business owners, the organizational structure, and the industry
choice (Ridder, 2009). This study would adopt Marxist and socialist feminism theory by
Karl Marx. It is a theory that recognizes women as an important factor in the
development of an economy because of their direct or indirect involvement in production.
Marxist and socialist feminisms strictly criticize the family as a source of women's
oppression and exploitation. The Network Affiliation perspective views entrepreneurship
as embedded in a complex network of social relationships. Within this network,
entrepreneurship is facilitated or constrained by linkages between aspiring entrepreneurs,
resources, and opportunities (Murphy, 2017). Women entrepreneurs are set in indifferent
personal and social networks than men. These divisions and barriers limit the reach and
diversity of their networks hence have far-reaching consequences for the choice of the
sector. There is evidence that women‟s networks are different than men‟s (McConnell,
82
2007). The human capital theory proposes that the level of education, area of education,
previous entrepreneurial experience, and previous business experience and business skills
will influence business sector choice. These are characteristics of demographic factors
and therefore form the basis of investigation of the same and their effect on the choice of
the sector by the women entrepreneurs (Fatoki. O, 2011). According to the financial
capital, theory refers to saved-up financial wealth especially that used to start or maintain
a business. A financial concept of capital is adopted by most entities in preparing their
financial reports. This perspective implies that access to finance is critical for enterprise
choice and especially starting enterprises that require capital (Ngina. C, 2015).
83
CHAPTER FIVE: DISCUSSION, CONCLUSION, AND RECOMMENDATIONS
In this chapter included the main discussions are summarized; Conclusions are drawn
based on the finding and recommendations are forwarded for concerned bodies.
5.1 Summary of discussion
This study was once designed to inspect the main factors, attributes, and
challenges that affect the performance of women entrepreneurs in micro and small
enterprises. A sample of one hundred fifty women entrepreneurs engaged in four sectors
used to be taken for the study of the usage of stratified sampling techniques. In the
process of answering the basic questions, a questionnaire that described demographic
profiles, attributes of women entrepreneurs, factors that affect the performance of women
entrepreneurs in MSEs, and challenges facing with women entrepreneurs in MSEs the
support areas of governmental institutions have been designed in a closed-ended and 5
liker scales. Interviews had been held with micro and small enterprise development office
team leaders, micro-finance institutions‟ managers, top experts, and TVET leaders. After
the information has been collected, it was once analyzed the use of descriptive (Number,
mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (correlation or association)
compares the different factors based on 150 respondents and results acquire the major
discussion of this study are summarized as follows.
According to the demographic factors most of the respondent women
entrepreneurs are under the age category of 21-30, (57%), education levels (35%) of 10
and 12 grades, with working experiences (54%) of 1-5 years, and their marital status are
(48%) married. Besides, the attributes of women entrepreneurs in MSEs the majorities of
the respondents have a family size (70%) of less than three, (57% ) of engaged in the
84
trade sectors, and employee employed much less than 5 (92%) of employees within their
enterprise organizations and the legal ownership establishments‟ of their organization is
in the form of sole-proprietorship. The majority of the respondents started their own
business for the reason that they have (47%) of self-employed. Similarly, most of these
respondents started their commercial enterprise on their own (87%) of initiation and
acquire the essential abilities (51%) from informally. Besides this, they have (74%) of no
entrepreneurial family. The most important sources of startup cash for the majority of the
respondents (46%) are private savings. Also, the majority of the respondents the
performances of current status (62%) of their enterprise are expanding them.
The main economic factors that affect the overall performance of women
entrepreneurs in MSEs according to their severity rank order are managerial skills access,
market information access, financial access, premises access, training access, technology
access, market linkage access, and market competitions are affect.
The fundamental socio-culture factors that affect the performance of women
entrepreneurs in MSEs in accordance to their severity rank order have a relationship of
the workforce, no conflict gender roles, no class-bias, no cultural influence, have gender
equality, have network access, society‟s attitude positive, and social acceptability are
affect.
The foremost legal/administrative constraint that affect the overall performance of
women entrepreneurs in MSEs according to their severity rank order policymaker access,
bureaucracies and red tapes, credit interest rate, policy constraints‟, network with the
administrative body, help government body, income tax, and credit access are an orderly
effect.
85
The key challenges face with the aid areas of authorities establishments that affect
the overall performance of women entrepreneurs in MSEs in accordance to their severity
rank order are technical support, machine maintenance service, plan, and financial
training, technical skill training, market training, customer service training,
entrepreneurship training, and machine maintenance training are consecutively affect.
In general, the comparison of the four main factors that affect the performance of
women entrepreneurs in MSEs according to their severity orders are economic factors,
social factors, and challenges faced the government institution support areas, and
legal/administrative factors are respectively influenced.
The association between independent variables and performance had a strong
positive association was found between work premise and performance, market
competition and performance, social acceptability and performance, no class-biases and
performance, society‟s attitude positive and performance, no gender inequality and
performance, and no culture influence and performance, which are statistically significant
at 99% confidence level. This implies that at a 1% level of significance, it was discovered
that the work premise, market competition, social acceptability, no class-biases, society‟s
attitude positive, no gender inequality, no culture influence plays a significant role in
determining in the studied areas at Debark town.
There is substantial, however financial and performance, marketing and
performance, training and performance, information and performance, managerial skills
and performance, technology and performance, Network access and performance,
Relationships of workforce and performance, No conflict gender roles and performance,
income tax fair and performance, Bureaucracies and performance, Access policymakers
86
and performance, policy constraints and performance, Credit interest rate fair and
performance, Network with administrative body and performance, and credit access and
performance, support of government body and performance, which are statistically
significant at 99% confidence level.
5.2 Conclusions
This lookup was conducted in the Amhara region North Gondar Zon Debark
town. Based on the objectives and the findings of the study, the following conclusion can
be made. The study gathered information from sample survey women entrepreneurs who
by using a stratified sampling technique. The research had targeted 155 women
entrepreneurs and only 150 questionnaires were completed successfully which leads to a
response rate of 96.77%. Based on the survey result major conclusions and
recommendations have been got from these respondents.
Women‟s entrepreneurship is considered to have a significant role in economic
development. The issue of women entrepreneurs has been important for governmental
and non-governmental organizations. Moreover, lots of companies, communities, and
countries around the world are investing in women‟s entrepreneurship.
Women entrepreneurs in micro and small enterprises are vastly interconnected
with various factors such as availability of financial, market, training, premise,
technology, information, network, policymakers, credit access, managerial skills, marker
competition, policy constraints, credit interest rate fair, bureaucracies & retapes, income
tax fair, and supports of government body existed in the Debark town.
87
5.3 Recommendations.
The contribution of women entrepreneurship to the economy has been
internationally accepted in the previous research. Therefore, based on the findings of this
study, the following recommendations are forwarded to women entrepreneurs,
government, and non-government concerned institutions.
 These findings show the majority of women entrepreneurs are engaged in the trade
sectors. Women entrepreneurs have to change their commercial enterprise kinds of
sectors from trade and offerings to manufacturing sectors due to the fact the country
priority agenda is to have an export-led industrial economy
 Factors that affect the performance of women entrepreneurs in micro and small
enterprises. This study will provide further insight into the unique affirmative actions
and challenges faced are by women in entrepreneurship.
 There is a need to provide proper networking amongst women entrepreneurs both
governmental and non-governmental organizations should link skill development
centers with women entrepreneurship development agencies for effective intentions.
 Entrepreneurship incubation centers (TVET) should be established where specific
training for women entrepreneurs has to provide that will help them improve their
managerial skills. Improving technical vocational education and training institution
should be an effective way of generating flexible women entrepreneurs.
 The concerned government bodies should make sure that micro and small enterprise
development services are gender-sensitive to consider the needs and interests of women
entrepreneurs.
88
 The Ethiopian and the Amhara regional government should redesign the bureaucratic
networks by cutting down delayed networks to access credit and support by many
institutions. And temporary tax exemption to encourage starting women entrepreneurs.
 Sufficient entrepreneurial and managerial skills development activities should be
provided for women entrepreneurs in micro and small enterprises to change the
traditional way of running a business into the modern types of business approach.
 The financial institution shall support women entrepreneurs in the micro and small
enterprises by providing credit service through adjusting loans in the long term with a
fair interest rate.
 In general, Sociologists and business advisors should be always providing fresh
information to women entrepreneurs about how to run their business in the study
area. They should recognize the importance of women entrepreneur in the society.
89
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Appendix A: Survey Questionnaire
Gondar University
College of Social Science and Humanities
Department of Sociology
Postgraduate Program in Sociology of graduate studies in Factors Affects the Performance of
Women Entrepreneur in micro and small enterprises.
INTRODUCTION
Dear respondent,
I am a graduate student in the department of sociology, Gondar University. Currently, I
am undertaking research entitled ‘Factors Affecting the Performance of women entrepreneurs‟ in
Micro and Small Enterprises in Debark town. You are one of the respondents selected to
participate in this study. Please assist me in giving correct and complete information to present a
representative finding on the current status of the factors affecting the performance of women
entrepreneurs‟ in Micro and Small enterprises in Debark town. Your participation is entirely
voluntary and the questionnaire is completely anonymous.
Finally, I confirm that the information that you share with me will be kept confidential
and only used for academic purposes. No individual‟s responses will be identified as such and
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the identity of persons responding will not be published or released to anyone. All information
will be used for academic purposes only. Thank you very much for your cooperation.
Yours sincerely
Paulos Asmare
Instructions
No need of writing your name and for all scale type statements and multiple-choice
questions indicate your answers with a tick mark (√) in the appropriate box and block.
PART I:-Demographic of the respondents
1. Age A. below 20 Years c. 31-40
B. 21-30 Years d. above 40
2. Level of education and training
A. Can‟t read and write E. 10+1 &10+2
B. Grades1-4 F.10+3 /diploma
C. Grades 5-9 G.BA/BSC and above
D. Grades 10/12 complete
3. Work experience
A. Less than 1 years C. 6-10 years
B. 1-5 years D. Greater than 10 year‟s
4. Marital status
A. Married C. Divorced
B. Single D. Widowed
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PART II: Attributes of Women Entrepreneurs in MSEs and Women-Owned Enterprises
5. Family size:
A. Less than 3 B. 4-5 C. More than 5
6. What Type of Business Sector?
A. Manufacturing D. Services
B. Urban Agriculture E. Other (specify) -----
C Trade
7. A number of employees in the enterprise?
A. Less than 5 C.11-15
B. 6-10 D. More than 15
8. What is the type of Business Ownership of the establishment?
A. Sole- proprietorship B partnership
D Other (specify) --------- C. Cooperative
9. Why did you motivate you to start your own business?
A. Family trend
B. To be self-employed D. No other alternative for incomes
C. Brings high-income F. Others (Specify) ---------------------
10. Who initiated and started the business?
A. Myself alone C. With a friend/partner
B. With the family D. other (specify) ----------------
11. How did you acquire the skill for running your enterprise?
A. Through formal training C. From family
B. From friends informal D. other (specify) ------------

100
12. Is there anyone in the family who was an entrepreneur or owner of some related business
activities?
A) Yes
B) No
13. If yes, what is your family relationship with him/her?
A. Father E. Sister
B. Mother F. Grandfather
C. Brother D. Grandmother
14. What was your main source of start-up funding?
A. Personal saving G. Support from friends
B. Family support F. Inheritance
C. Credit from friends‟ H. Credit from Bank
D. Micro-finance institutions I. Assistant from NGO‟s
E. Equip
15. Whether you continue your previous business or start a new business, what is the
performance of the current status of her business?
A.
PART III: Factors Affecting Women Entrepreneurs‟ Performance in MSEs.
The major factors that affect the performance of women entrepreneurs‟ in MSEs are
listed below. Please indicate the degree to which these factors are affecting the performance of
your business enterprise. After you read each of the factors, evaluate them about your business,
and then put a tick mark (√) under the choices below.
Where, 5 = strongly agree, 4 = agree, 3 = undecided, 2 = disagree and 1= strongly disagree.

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№ Item Agreement scale
15 Economic Factors 5 4 3 2 1
15.1 I am satisfied with the financial access given by micro finances and other
lending institutions
15.2 I have access to the market for my products
15.3 I have access to different business training
15.4 I have my premises (land) to run my business
15.5 I have access to information to exploit business opportunities
15.6 I have managerial skills
15.7 I have access to the necessary technologies
15.8 There are enough competitions in the market place that I am engaged in
16 Socio-culture factors
16.1 I have a better of social acceptability
16.2 I have better contacts(networks) with outsiders
16.3 I have no prejudice or class biases
16.4 The societies attitude towards my products/services is positive
16.5 I have a positive relationship with the workforce
16.6 I have no conflicting gender roles
16.7 I am not affected by gender inequalities
16.8 I have no cultural influences

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17 Legal and administrative factors
17.1 I have business assistants and supporters from government bodies
17.2 I have a network with different administrative bodies
17.3 I have access to policymakers
17.4 There are no legal, institutional and policy constraints
17.5 I can borrow money even without titled assets as a collateral
17.6 The interest rate charged by micro finances and other lending institutions
in reasonable
17.7 I can get service without bureaucracies and red tapes
17.8 the tax levied on my business is reasonable
Part IV:-Challenges face Women Entrepreneurs in MSEs by government institutions support areas
The following are cooperation areas between women entrepreneurs‟ in MSEs TVET
institutions read each of the areas evaluate your business against the points and put a tick mark (√)
for your choice
No ITEMs Agreement scale
18 Support areas of TVET to MSEs 5 4 3 2 1
18.1 Training support
18.1.1 I have got entrepreneurship training from TVET

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18.1.2 I have got marketing training From TVET
18.1.3 I have got planning and financial reporting training from TVET
18.1.4 I have got machine maintenance training from TVET
18.1.5 I have got customer service training from TVET
18.1.6 I have got technical skill training From TVET
18.2 Machine support
18.2.1 I have got machine maintenance service from TVET
18.2.2 I have got Technology supports from TVET
I. Interview Questions with micro and small enterprise development office team leaders
1. What problems did you face women entrepreneurs‟ while running in MSEs relation to
A/ Economic factors
 Market
 Technology
 Infrastructures
 Raw materials
B/ Social factors
 Public acceptance
 Attitude toward women-owned business
 Relationship with suppliers customers and others
C/ Legal /Administration factor
 Government policy
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 Bureaucracies (to licensing, taxation...)
 Women support( affirmatives action)
2. What is your cooperation with micro Finance and TVET institutions to support Women
entrepreneurs in MSEs?
3. What other problems did you face?
4. What measures did you take to solve the problems you faced?
II. Interview Questions with microfinance institutions leaders and experts
1. Is there special financial support that you give for a women entrepreneur?
2. What problem did you face about
 Borrow
 Receive
 Collaterals
4. What is your cooperation with micro TVET and MSEDO Team Leader to support
Women entrepreneurs in MSEs?
III. Interview Questions with TVET leaders/deans?
1. How do you explain the relationship you have with women entrepreneurs
in MSEs?
2. Do you have a regular meeting and supporting periods?
3. What are the areas of support you have with women entrepreneurs in MSEs?
 Technology
 Training
 Raw materials
4. What problem did you face to work jointly with women entrepreneurs in MSEs?
6. How is your relationship with Micro Finance institutions and the MSE office
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የጎንደር ዩኒቨርሲቲ
የማህበራዊ ሳይንስ ትም/ቤት
የማህበሰብ ጥናት ትም/ክፌሌ
የድህረ ምረቃ ፕሮግራም
ውድ የጥናቱ ተሳታፉዎች፡-
እኔ በጎንደር ዩኒቨርስቲ በማህበራዊ ሳይንስ ትምህርት ክፌሌ የማህበረሰብ ጥናት የድህረ
ምረቃ ተመራቂ ተማሪ ስሆን፤ በአሁን ሰዓት የመመረቂያ ፅሁፋን በማዘጋጀት ሊይ እገኛሇሁ፡፡
የጥናቴ ርዕስም በደባርቅ ከተማ የሚገኙ በጥቃቅንና አነስተኛ የንግድ ተቋማት ሊይ የተሰማሩ
በሴት ነጋዴዎች አፇፃፀም ሊይ ተፅእኖ የሚያሳድሩ ተግዳሮቶችን ይመሇከታሌ፡፡
ስሇሆነም እርስዎም በዚህ ጥናት እንዲሳተፈ ተመርጠዋሌ፡፡ እርስዎ የሚሰጡት
ትክክሇኛውን መረጃ ሇጥናቱ ውጤታማነት በጣም አስፇሊጊ መሆኑን በመገንዘብ መጠይቁን
በጥንቃቄ እንዲሞለ እጠይቃሇሁ፡፡ ተሳትፍዎ በእርስዎ በጎ በፇቃደኝነት ሊይ የተመሰረተ ነው፡፡
በመጨረሻም የሚሰጡት መረጃ ሚስጥራዊነቱ የተጠበቀና ሇዚህ ጥናት ዓሊማ ብቻ እንደሚውሌ
አረጋግጣሇሁ፡፡ የማንኛውም መሌስ ሰጪ ማንነት በማንኛውም መሌኩ የማይታተምና
የማይሰራጭ ይሆናሌ፡፡ ሁለም መረጃዎች ሇትምህርታዊ ዓሊማ ብቻ ይውሊለ፡፡ በቅድሚያ
ስሇትብብርዎት በጣም አመሰግናሇሁ፡፡
ጳውልስ አስማረ
106
ማሳሰቢያ
- በመጠይቁ ሊይ ስም መፃፌ አያስፇሌግም፡፡
- መሌስዎትን በሳጥኑ ውስጥ የእርማት ምሌክት ( ) ያስቀምጡ፡፡
ክፌሌ1፡-አጠቃሊይ መረጃ
1. እድሜ?
ሀ. ከ20ዓመት በታች ሐ.ከ 31 እስከ 40 ዓመት
ሇ. ከ20 እስከ 30 ዓመት መ.ከ 40 ዓመትና በሊይ
2. የትምህርት ደረጃ?
ሀ. ማንበብናመፃፌ ያሌቻሇች ሠ. 10 + 1 እና 10 + 2
ሇ. ከ 1ኛ እስከ 4ኛክፌሌ ረ.10 + 3 ወይምዲፕልማ
ሐ. ከ 5ኛ እስከ 8ኛክፌሌ ሰ.የመጀመሪያ ዲግሪና በሊይ
መ.10ኛ/12ኛ/ ክፌሌ ያጠናቀቀች
3. የስራ ሌምድ?
ሀ. ከ 1 ዓመት በታች ሐ.ከ 6 እስከ 10 ዓመታት
ሇ. ከ 1 እስከ 5 ዓመታት መ.ከ 10 ዓመት በሊይ
4. የጋብቻ ሁኔታ?
ሀ. ያገባች ሐ. አግብታ የፇታች
ሇ. ያሊገባች መ. ባሇቤቷ በሞት የተሇያት
ክፌሌ2፡- የሴት ነጋዴዎችና የተቋሞቻቸው ባህርያት

107
5. የቤተሰብመጠን?
ሀ. ከ 3 በታች ሇ.ከ 4 እስከ 5 ሐ.ከ 5 በሊይ
6. የተሰማሩበት የስራ መስክ / ዘርፌ /?
ሀ. በአምራች መ. በንግድ
ሇ. በከተማ ግብርና ሠ. ላሊካሇ-------------
ሐ. በአገሌግልት
7. በድርጅቱ ውስጥ ተቀጥረው የሚሰሩ ሰራተኞች ቁጥር?
ሀ.ከ 5 በታች መ.11-15
ሇ. ከ 6 እስከ 10 ሐ. ከ15 በሊይ
8. የድርጅቱ ህጋዊ ምስረታ ምንድን ነው?
ሀ. የግሌ መ. የማህበር
ሇ. የጋራ ሠ. ላሊ ------------------------------
ሐ. የቤተሰብ
9. የራስዎን ድርጅት ሇመክፇት የፇሇጉት ሇምንድን ነዉ?
ሀ. የቤተሰብ ሌምድ ስሇሆነ መ. ላሊ አማራጭ ስሇላሇኝ
ሇ. የራሴን ስራ ሇመፌጠር ፌሊጎት ስሇነበረኝ ሠ. ላሊካሇ---------------
ሐ. ከፌተኛ ገቢ ስሇሚያስገኝ
10. ድርጅቱን ሇማቋቋም እና ሇመጀመር ያነሳሳዎት ማንነው?
ሀ. ራሴ ሐ. ጓደኛ
ሇ. ቤተሰብ መ. ላሊ----------------------
11. ድርጅቱን ሇመምራት የሚያስፇሌግዎትን እውቀት /ክህልት/ ያገኙት ከየት ነው?

108
ሀ. ከስሌጠናተቋም ሐ. ከቤተሰብ
ሇ. ከሌምድ መ. ላሊ------------------------
12. በቤተሰብዎ ውስጥ ስራ ፇጣሪ የሆነ ሰው አሇ?
ሀ. አሇ ሇ. የሇም
13. መሌስዎት “ሀ” ከሆነ ዝምድናው ምንድን ነው?
ሀ. አባት ሠ. እህት
ሇ. እናት መ. ወንድ አያት
ሐ. ወንድም ሰ. ሴት አያት
14. ስራዎትን ሇመጀመር የተጠቀሙበት ዋና የገንዘብ ምንጭ ምንድን/ከየት/ ነው?
ሀ. ከግሌ ቁጠባ ረ. ከጓደኛድጋፌ /ሰጦታ/
ሇ. ከቤተሰብ ስጦታ ሰ. ውርስ
ሐ. ከጓደኛ ብድር ሸ. የባንክብድር
መ. ከጥቃቅን አበዳሪ ተቋማት ቀ. መንግስታዊካሌሆነድርጅ
ሠ. እቁብ
15. ነባርም ሆነ በአዲሰ የተጀመረው የንግድ ድርጅት ወቅታዊ የአፇፃፀም ደረጃ ምን ሊይ ነው?
ሀ. አፇፃፀሙ በማደግና በመስፊፊት ሊይ ነው
ሇ. አፇፃፀሙ በመቀነስ ሊይ ነው
ሐ. አፇፃፀሙ በመቆም ሊይ ነው
ክፌሌ3፡- በሴት ነጋዴዎች የስራ እንቅስቃሴ ሊይ ተፅዕኖ የሚያሳድሩ ተግዳሮቶች
ከዚህ ቀጥል በሴት ነጋዴዎች ሊይ ተፅዕኖ ያሳድራለ ተብሇው የሚጠበቁ ተግዳሮቶች
ተዘርዝረዋሌ የእያንዳንዱን ተፅዕኖ ከድርጅትዎ ነባራዊ ሁኔታ ጋር በማያያዝ

109
ሇምርጫዎ የእርማት(√) ምሌክት በማድረግ ምሊሽ ይስጡ፡
5=በጣምእስማማሇሁ፤4=እስማማሇሁ፤3=ሇመወሰንእቸገራሇሁ፤2=አሌስማማም፤1=በጣም
አሌስማማም
ተ.ቁ ዝርዘር መገሇጫ የስምምነት ደረጃ
5 4 3 2 1
15 የምጣኔ ሀብታዊ ተፅዕኖዎች
15.1 በጥቃቅንናአነስተኛየብድርተቋማትናላልችአበዳሪተቋማትበሚሰጡትብድር እረክቻሇሁ
15.2 ሇምርቴ /አገሌግልቴ/ምቹ የገበያ ሁኔታ አሇኝ
15.3 ሥራዬን መምራት የሚያስችሌ የተሇያዩ ሥሌጠናዎች አግኝቻሇሁ
15.4 የራሴ የሆነ የንግድ ቦታ አሇኝ
15.5 የንግድ መሌካም አጋጣሚዎች ሇመጠቀም የሚያስችሌ በቂ መረጃ አሇኝ
15.6 የንግድ ስራ የአስተዳደር ችልታ/ዘዴ/ አሇኝ
15.7 አስፇሊጊ የቴክኖልጂ አቅርቦት ምቹ ሁኔታ አሇኝ
15.8 እኔ ገብቼ የምወዳደርበት ጠንካራ የሆነ የገበያ ፈክክር አሇ
16 ማህበራዊ ተፅዕኖዎች
16.1 በህብረተሰቡ ዘንድ ጥሩ ተቀባይነት አሇኝ
16.2 ከውጭ ደንበኞች ጋር ጥሩ የሆነ ትብብርናግንኙነት አሇኝ
16.3 የጎሣ (የቡድን) አድል የሇብኝም
16.4 ህብረተሰቡ ሇእኔ ምርት (አገሌግልት)ያሇው አመሇካከት አዎንታዊ ነዉ

110
16.5 ከሰራተኞቼ ጋር መሌካም የስራ ግንኙነት አሇኝ
16.6 በሴትነቴና ሴት በመሆኔ ባሇኝ ሚና የገጠመኝ ግጭት የሇም
16.7 የፆታ አድልና ጉዳት የሇብኝም
16.8 የባህሌ ተፅዕኖ የሇብኝም
17 ህጋዊናአስተዳደራዊ ተፅዕኖዎች
17.1 ከመንግስት አካሊት ድጋፌና እገዛ አግኝቻሇሁ
17.2 ከተሇያዩ የመንግስት አካሊትጋር ትብብርና ግንኙነት አሇኝ
17.3 ከፖሉሲ አውጪዎች ጋር ቅርበት አሇኝ
17.4 በንግድ ሥራዬ ሊይ ያጋጠሙኝ ህጋዊ፤ተቋማዊና ፖሉሲያዊ ማዕቀቦች የለም
17.5 ሇብድር ዋስትና የሚሆን ቋሚ ንብረት ባይኖረኝም ገንዘብ መበደር እችሊሇሁ
17.6 የጥቃቅንናአነስተኛ የብድር ተቋማትናላልች አበዳሪ ተቋማት የሚያስከፌለት የወሇድ
መጠንተ መጣጣኝ ነው
17.7 ጉዳይ ሇማስፇፀም ውጣውረድ የሇውም
17.8 በመንግስት የሚጣሇው የግብር መጠን ተመጣጣኝ ና ፌትሃዊ ነው
ክፌሌ4፡-በጥ/አነ/ ሇተደራጁ ሴት ነጋዴዎች ከቴ/ሙ/ት/ሥ/ተቋ/ በሚያገኙት ድጋፌ ያለ
ፇተናዎች፡-ቴ/ሙ/ት/ሥ/ተቋማት በጥ/አነ/ ሇተደራጁ ሴት ነጋዴዎች የሚያደርጉትን ድጋፌ
የሚያሳይ የድጋፌ አይነቶች ተዘርዝረዋሌ ከእርስዎ የንግድ ድርጅት ጋር በማነፃፀር
ምርጫዎትን የእርማት (√) ምሌክት በማድረግ መሌስ ይስጡ፡፡
ተ.ቁ ዝርዝር መገሇጫ የስምምነትደረጃ
18 የድጋፌ አይነቶች 5 4 3 2 1
111
18.1 የሥሌጠና ድጋፌ
18.1.1 በቴ/ሙ/ት/ሥ/ተቋማት የስራ ፇጠራ ስሌጠና አግንኝቻሇሁ
18.1.2 በቴ/ሙ/ት/ሥ/ተቋማት ገበያ ነክ ሥሌጠና አግኝቻሇሁ
18.1.3 በቴ/ሙ/ት/ሥ/ተቋማት የእቅድናሪፖርት ዝግጅት ሥሌጠና አግኝቻሇሁ
18.1.4 በቴ/ሙ/ት/ሥ/ተቋማት የማሽንጥገናሥሌጠና አግኝቻሇሁ
18.1.5 በቴ/ሙ/ት/ሥተቋማት የደንበኛ አያያዝና አገሌግልት አሰጣጥ ሥሌጠና
አግኝቻሇሁ
18.1.6 በቴ/ሙ/ት/ሥ/ ተቋማት የክህልት ሥሌጠና አግኝቻሇሁ
18.2 የማሽንና ላልች ድጋፍች
18.2.1 ከቴ/ሙ/ት/ሥ/ ተቋማት የማሽን ጥገና አገሌግልት ድጋፌ አግኝቻሇሁ
18.2.2 ከቴ/ሙ/ት/ሥ/ ተቋማት የቴክኖልጅ ድጋፌ አግኝቻሇሁ
የቃሌ ጥያቄዎች
IV. ሇጥቃቅንና አነስተኛ ኢንተርፕራይዝ ሌማት ተቋም ቡድን መሪዎች የቃሌ ጥያቄ
1. በጥቃቅንና አነስተኛ የተደራጁ ሴት ነጋዴዎች የስራ እንቅስቃሴ ሊያ ምን ችግር
እየገጠማቸው ይገኛሌ ?
ሀ/ የምጣኔ ሃብት ተፅዕኖዎች ?
 በገበያ ትስስርና ውድድር

112
 በቴክኖልጅ አቅርቦትና አጠቃቀም
 በመሰረተ ሌማት/ውሃ፤መብራት፤መንገድ/
 በጥሬ ዕቃ ግብዓት አቅርቦት
ሇ/ የማህበራዊ ተፅዕኖዎች ?
 የህዝብ ተቀባይነት
 ሇሴት ነጋዴዎች ያለ አመሇካከቶች
 ከውስጥ እና ከውጪ ደንበኞችና ሰራተኞች ጋር ያለ ግንኙነት
ሐ/ ህጋዊና አስተዳደራዊ ተፅዕኖዎች ?
 የመንግስት አሰራር ውጣውረዶች /ሇፌቃድ፤ሇግብር ክፌያ/
 የመንግስት ፖሉሲዎች አተገባበር
 ሇሴት ነጋዴዎች ሌዩ የድጋፌ እርምጃዎች
2. በጥቃቅንና አነስተኛ ሇተደራጁ ሴት ነጋዴዎች ድጋፌ ሇማድረግ ከአበዳሪ እና ከሥሌጠና
ሰጪ ተቋማት ጋር ምን የጋራ ግንኙነት አሊችሁ ?
3. ሴት ነጋዴዎች ምን ላልች ችግሮች አለባቸው ?
4. በጥቃቅንና አነስተኛ ሇተደራጁ የሴት ነጋዴዎች ሇገጠማቸው ችግሮች ምን የመፌትሔ
እርምጃ እየወሰዳችሁ ነው ?
V. ሇአበዳሪ ተቋማት መሪና ከፌተኛ ባሇሙያዎች የቃሌ ጥያቄ
1. እንደ አበዳሪ ተቋም ሇሴት ነጋዴዎች ምን የተሇየ የብድር አቅርቦት ሰጣችሁ?
2. በሴት ነጋዴዎች የብድር ዋስትና፤ የብድር ስርጪት እና አመሊሇስ ምን ችግር አሇ ?
3. ሇሴት ነጋዴዎች በብድር ስርጪት እና አመሊሇስ ሂደት ውስጥ ሇገጠሙ ችግሮች ምን
መፌትሄ ወሰዳችሁ ?
113
4. ሇሴት ነጋዴዎች ሇመደገፌ ከአደራጅ እና ከሥሌጠና ሰጪ ተቋማት ጋር ምን የጋራ
ግንኙነት አሊችሁ ?
VI. ሇሥሌጠና ሰጪ ተቋማት መሪዎች የቃሌ ጥያቄ
1. በጥቃቅንና አነስተኛ ከተደራጁ ሴት ነጋዴዎች ጋር ያሊችሁ ግንኙነት እንዴት
ታብራራዋሇህ/ሽ ?
2. ከሰት ነጋዴዎች ጋር ቋሚ የሆነ በጊዜ ሰላዳ የተደገፇ የመገናኛ እና የመደጋገፉያ ጊዜ
አሊችሁ ?
3. በጥቃቅንና አነስተኛ ሇተደራጁ ሴት ነጋዴዎች በምን ዙሪያ ድጋፌ ታደርጋሊችሁ ?
 በቴክኖልጅ አቅርቦት
 በስሌጠና አቅርቦት
 በጥሬ ዕቃ ግብዓት አቅርቦት
 በአገሌግልት አቅርቦት
4. በጥቃቅንና አነስተኛ ሇተደራጁ ሴት ነጋዴዎች እየገጠማቸው ያለ ችግሮች ምንድን
ናቸው?
5. በጥቃቅንናአነስተኛ ሇተደራጁ ሴት ነጋዴዎች ሇገጠማቸው ችግር ምን መፌትሄ አሊችሁ ?
6. በጥቃቅንና አነስተኛ ሇተደራጁ የሴት ነጋዴዎችን ችግሮች ሇመፌታት ከአበዳሪ ተቋማት
ጋር ምን ግንኙነት አሊችሁ ?

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1

Running head: FACTORS AFFECTING THE PERFORMANCE OF WOMEN

ENTREPRENEURS IN MICRO AND SMALL ENTERPRISES

Enterprise in Amhara Region; The case of Debark Town.

Requirement of MA Degree in Sociology.

College of Social Sciences and the Humanities

Advisor: Bekele Melese (Ph.D.)

ENTREPRENEURS IN MICRO AND SMALL ENTERPRISES

Assess Factors Affecting the Performance of Women Entrepreneurs in Micro and

Small Enterprise in Amhara Region; The case of Debark Town.

Requirement of MA Degree in Sociology

Advisor: Bekele Melese (Ph.D.)

Approved by Examining Boards

Name Signature Date

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Chair person, head department of Sociology

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List of Acronyms .......................................................................................................................................... 7

CHAPTER ONE: Introduction ................................................................................................................... 10

1.1. Background of the Study ..................................................................................................................... 10

1.2 Statement of the problem ...................................................................................................................... 13

1.3 Objective of the study ........................................................................................................................... 15

1.3.1 General objective ....................................................................................................................... 15

1.5 Significance of the study ....................................................................................................................... 16

1.6 Scope of the study ................................................................................................................................. 17

1.7 Limitation of the study .......................................................................................................................... 17

1.8 Organization of the study ...................................................................................................................... 18

1.9 Definition of the operational terms ....................................................................................................... 19

CHAPTER TWO: Review of Related Literature ........................................................................................ 20

2.1 Definitions of Entrepreneurship ............................................................................................................ 20

2.2. Theoretical Perspectives ...................................................................................................................... 20

2.2.1 Sociological Theory ................................................................................................................... 20

2.3.1 Women entrepreneurs in micro and small enterprises. .............................................................. 25

2.5 Factors affecting the performance of women entrepreneurs in MSEs .................................................. 31

2.5.1 Demographic factors .................................................................................................................. 31

CHAPTER THREE: Research Methodology ............................................................................................. 36

3.1. Description of the study area ............................................................................................................... 36

3.2. Research design ................................................................................................................................... 37

3.3 Sample survey ....................................................................................................................................... 38

3.3.1 Target population ....................................................................................................................... 39

3.4.1 Semi-structured interview guide ................................................................................................ 45

3.6 Methods of data analysis ....................................................................................................................... 46

CHAPTER FOUR: Introduction ................................................................................................................. 49

4.1 Data Presentation, Analysis, and Discussions ...................................................................................... 49

4.2 Data presentation and analysis .............................................................................................................. 49

4.2.1 The demographic profiles of respondents .................................................................................. 49

5.1 Summary of discussion ......................................................................................................................... 83

5.2 Conclusions ........................................................................................................................................... 86

5.3 Recommendations. ................................................................................................................................ 87

Table 1sample size of respondents.............................................................................................................. 40

Table 2 Age Category ................................................................................................................................ 49

Table 3 Educational level........................................................................................................................... 50

Table 4 Work experience ............................................................................................................................ 51

Table 5 Marital status................................................................................................................................. 52

Table 6 Family sizes .................................................................................................................................. 52