IMPACT OF SMALL AND MEDIUM SCALE ENTERPRISE ON YOUTH EMPOWERMENT IN BENIN METROPOLIS

ABSTRACT

This study sought to examine the impact of small and medium scale enterprise on youth empowerment in Benin Metropolis. To facilitate the study, research questions were designed which was hinged on the objective of the study and examined the relationship that seems to exist between Small and Medium Enterprises and youth Empowerment in Benin Metropolis. Primary data was collected through the administration of questionnaires. The study result showed that youth empowerment is affected by multiple factors for which one of it is Small and medium Scale Enterprises. Furthermore, the study also revealed that Small and medium Scale Enterprises has a significant and positive relationship with youth Empowerment. This was confirmed with a 9.1% effect youth empowerment has on Small and medium scale enterprises. The study further revealed that small and medium scale enterprise is dependent on willingness of youths to be empowered. The study adopted descriptive and inferential statistics method as technique of data analysis after. Based on the findings of the study it was recommended among others that the Edo State government should focus more on developing the skill sets of the youths residing in Benin Metropolitan Area. The study also recommended youths to continually improve their skills and finally government should sensitive the general public the need for their cooperation with youth Empowerment Program.