Women Entrepreneurship as an Economic Force in Rural Development in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects

This article examines women entrepreneurship in rural areas and impact of rural entrepreneurship in the economic development of rural communities. This article is a research into the concept of rural entrepreneurship given the misconception that rural areas are synonymous with agricultural food production which is far from reality in rural communities in Nigeria. The article explains the role of women entrepreneurs in their rural communities using women entrepreneurs involved in the tie and dye micro businesses in rural communities in Ogun Sate as a case study. This paper deals with the following four issues: firstly, it sets out the reasons why promoting women entrepreneurship in rural areas of Nigeria is vital to enhance economic development and survival of rural communities which is rift with rural - urban migration; secondly, it states the regulatory policies by Nigerian Government to create a conducive environment for women entrepreneurs in rural areas of Nigeria; and thirdly, it considers successes and challenges of women entrepreneurs in rural areas of Nigeria. Fourthly, this article deals with the global implications of women entrepreneurs in rural areas of Nigeria.