Green Entrepreneurial Practices Adoption Among Small and Medium Enterprises: Evidence from Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are widely recognised as the key contributors to Nigeria’s economic development; despite their economic importance, SME operations frequently leave considerable environmental trails. The pursuit of sustainable entrepreneurship has brought Green Entrepreneurial Practices (GEPs) to the forefront, emphasising the integration of environmental responsibility into business decision-making. This research explores the adoption patterns of Green Entrepreneurial Practices among Small and Medium enterprises with particular emphasis on the extent of their adoption, the preferred green practices and the challenges impeding their successful implementation. The study adopted a mixed-methods design, and data were gathered from 400 SMEs based on a sample size calculated using Taro Yamane (1967), utilising structured questionnaires, key informant interviews (KIIs), and focus group discussions (FGDs). The study combined descriptive and inferential statistics with qualitative narratives. Findings indicate that SMEs in Niger State adopt GEPs selectively, prioritising low-cost, high-return strategies such as operational efficiency and green marketing. Practices such as product innovation, sustainability reporting, and employee engagement are less widely embraced, reflecting barriers related to finance, technology, and knowledge. Interview and FGD evidence revealed that while SMEs recognise the value of advanced green practices, their adoption is constrained by the high cost of green technologies, limited access to training, weak regulatory enforcement, and market pressures from customers who prioritise affordability over eco-friendliness. The study concludes that SMEs adopt GEPs pragmatically, balancing the immediate need for financial survival with gradual efforts toward sustainability. It recommends targeted government interventions, including subsidies for green technologies, simplified compliance processes, enhanced awareness campaigns, and sector-specific capacity-building initiatives.