GREEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY OF MSMES IN RIVERS STATE.

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between green entrepreneurship and the economic sustainability of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Rivers State, Nigeria. The dimensions of green entrepreneurship examined included Eco-Product Entrepreneurship, Eco-Service Entrepreneurship, and Green Agriculture Entrepreneurship. The study employed a cross-sectional survey research design, targeting 20 MSMEs operational for over a decade, with two managerial staff from each enterprise selected via purposive sampling, resulting in 40 respondents. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using Spearman rank-order correlation coefficient at 0.01 and 0.05 significance levels. The findings indicate a strong positive relationship between Eco-Product Entrepreneurship (ρ = 0.922, p < 0.01) and Green Agriculture Entrepreneurship (ρ = 0.685, p < 0.01) with economic sustainability, while Eco-Service Entrepreneurship showed a moderate positive relationship (ρ = 0.346, p < 0.05). The study concludes that green entrepreneurship significantly enhances the economic sustainability of MSMEs by improving profitability, operational efficiency, and long-term resilience. Recommendations include promoting eco-product innovations, strengthening eco-service offerings, and adopting sustainable agricultural practices. The study contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence on the importance of environmentally sustainable business practices in enhancing the economic performance of MSMEs in emerging economy contexts, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 8 and 12 and Africa’s Agenda 2063 for inclusive and sustainable economic growth.