The role of women entrepreneurs in poverty alleviation among rural households in Tanzania: a case study of Mkuranga district

The study aimed at examining the role of women entrepreneurs in poverty alleviation among rural households in Tanzania, taking the case study of women entrepreneurs in Mkuranga District. To achieve this objective a study was conducted among 55 respondents in the study area. The specific objectives of the study were to; explore the products produced and sold by women entrepreneurs, determine the income generated by women entrepreneurs and their uses, find out challenges, possible solutions and stakeholders that can/support women entrepreneurs in Mkuranga District. Both quantitative and qualitative approaches were employed in the study. Questionnaires were administered and focus group discussions were conducted to women entrepreneurs, while in-depth interviews were made for key informants. Data collected were analysed using SPSS programme. The survey data revealed that women entrepreneurs play an important role in poverty alleviation at the household level, for example women entrepreneurs were found to contribute to households’ basic needs and social services. However, the study found also that there were some challenges facing women entrepreneurs such as lack of enough entrepreneurship training and unreliable market. In order to rectify shortfalls and ensure women entrepreneurship development, the government and other stakeholders are advised to promote women entrepreneurs in rural areas. This can help to bring to an end desperate living among many rural households in Mkuranga District and Tanzania in general.