Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Environmental Management and Poverty Reduction in Western Uganda

Abstract

The study aimed at assessing the role of SMEs and environment management in poverty reduction in Western Uganda. The study a descriptive and correlation study design. The data was collected by use of structured and closed ended questionnaires. The findings revealed a strong association between (SMES and environmental management) and poverty reduction (r =.644; sig. <.05). The study found out that SMEs lack access to innovative technologies, which are essential in buttressing SME roles in poverty reduction. The study revealed that very little financial resources are directly channeled to SMEs amidst ever increasing interest rates on loans. Government policies on SMEs are deficient in terms of technical, technological, financial, and managerial and infrastructures needed for effective contribution to economic growth and poverty reduction. The study further suggest that SMEs can resolve problems of poverty and unemployment if they can access cheap capital. The study therefore recommends that government should prioritize SME sector in budgets to enhance its contribution to economic growth and poverty reduction.