Green Entrepreneurship Practices and the Sustainability of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Abstract
This study examined the effect of green entrepreneurship practices on the sustainability of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional survey research design was adopted, with data collected from 356 respondents using a structured questionnaire, achieving a 91.9% response rate. Descriptive and regression analyses were employed. Findings revealed a high level of adoption of green practices, with strong commitments to renewable energy (79.5%), financial resource allocation for environmental upgrades (77.8%), and process redesign (68.8%), though eco-friendly product development (64.3%) was the least adopted. Green practices positively contributed to SME sustainability, with 77.2% affirming enhanced community welfare and 74.7% reporting reduced operational costs. Regression analysis showed a very strong positive relationship (R = 0.864), with green practices explaining 74.7% of the variance in SME sustainability (R² = 0.747) and exerting a significant positive effect (β = 0.793, p < 0.05). The study concluded that green entrepreneurship significantly enhances SME sustainability. Recommendations include government incentives, green financing, and training programmes to facilitate adoption.