PERCEPTION OF CLIMATE CHANGE BY SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES OWNERS AND MANAGERS

ABSTRACT

Globally, Small and Medium Size Enterprises (SMEs) have been recognized as key drivers of development, particularly in developing countries where their impact has been evident in creating jobs, wealth, improving livelihoods, and eradicating absolute poverty and making a significant contribution to Gross Domestic Product through tax revenues. As a result of this, this study focused on the adoption and implications of digitalization of accounting practice in Nigeria. Specifically, the study sought to examine the perception of climate change by small and medium enterprise owner and manager in Nigeria. In order to achieve this, a descriptive survey research design was used in eliciting response gotten from respondents. A structured questionnaire was administered to collect data from owner and manager of all Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Benin City forms the population of the study. While the sample size was restricted to ten (50) Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The collected data was analyzed using multiple regression analysis and the chi- square test of correlation analysis. In the findings, it was revealed that there is relationship between adaptation strategies and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMES) performance and operations. It was also revealed that Hydro climatological affect Small and Medium Enterprises (SMES) performance and operations. The research recommends that It is recommended that government should encourage small and medium scale business managers to invest more in innovation activities and increase organizational resilience to environmental changes. Regarding policy, without a holistic response to the impacts of climate change, small firms face a wide range of problems such as challenges to growth and survival.