Comparative performance of credit supported microenterprise between men and women

This study aimed at evaluating the comparative performance of credit supported micro enterprises run by both women and men; The study also makes analysis of social economic factors affecting the enterprises run by women in the study area. The focus of the study was to compare types of enterprises run, criteria governing their choices, objectives of establishment, support enjoyed from their spouses and monthly sales. The study was conducted in Iringa Municipality at Iringa Region. Both primary and secondary data were collected through closed and open-ended structured questionnaires. In analysis, descriptive statistics were employed.Findings from the study reveal that kiosk/shop, food vending, selling clothes, selling farm produce, saloon, brewing alcohol, carpentry, selling charcoal were the most preferred types of enterprises run by the majority. The main driving force for the majority to involve themselves in these enterprises was to meet basic needs and hence improvement of human life. Findings related to the social economic problems affecting the small microenterprises showed that respondents are constrained with low capital, education level, business skills, spouse intervention, too high tax, poor market and high interest rate. This study recommends the following: 1) Provision of business studies, 2); Expansion of micro-finance and 3; Women Empowerment through provision of more financial support.