The perception and awareness of cash waqf financing for micro, small and medium entrepreneurship development in Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

This dissertation analyzes micro, small and medium entrepreneurship inadequate funding and its development with the use of cash waqf as a financing mode. Nigeria is a developing country which is presently faced with the problems of inadequate funding and high lending rates available to micro entrepreneurs. Amongst other measures by the government to achieve its developmental goals is entrepreneurship development. The entrepreneurship are expected to improve and increase the country‟s gross domestic product (GDP), increase the country‟s wealth, create more job opportunities and in overall improve the socio economic conditions of the people. However, this is not easily achievable because of issues such as inadequate funding and high lending rates available to entrepreneurs. The main objective of the research is to propose a model of cash waqf as an alternative for micro entrepreneurship funding in Nigeria. This study utilize survey and interview as a mixed method measure of data collection to achieve its objectives. The Structural Equation modelling (SEM) is used as a statistical tool and complemented with a qualitative data analysis in order to develop a model of cash waqf. Results show that micro entrepreneurs and government authorities in Edo state Nigeria intentions, is to patronize cash waqf for its benefits if available to achieve perceived micro entrepreneurship development. So also, the use of cash waqf as a financing mode for business growth would not be affected by low cash waqf awareness and religiosity. This study gives significance contribution to entrepreneurs in Nigeria, utilizing the medium of cash waqf to assist them in terms of financial matters.