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Access to finance and rural youth entrepreneurship in Benin: Is there a gender gap?

Melain Modeste Senou, Julius Manda · 2022 · African Development Review

Summary. Rural youth in Benin face significant barriers to entrepreneurship, particularly access to finance. Using survey data from over 900 youths, the study finds that access to finance increases the probability of youth entrepreneurship by 15.2%. However, a substantial gender gap exists: young women with access to finance are 5.24% less likely to start ventures than young men. Age, education, poverty status, agricultural experience, and bank branch proximity all influence finance access. The authors recommend policymakers reduce collateral requirements to expand financing for youth, especially women.

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Senou, M. M., & Manda, J.. (2022). Access to finance and rural youth entrepreneurship in Benin: Is there a gender gap?. African Development Review. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-8268.12623

Details

DOI
10.1111/1467-8268.12623
Countries
Benin
Categories
entrepreneurship, funding
Added
2026-04-28