Savings and Income Performance of Small-Scale Agro-Based Entrepreneurs in Delta State, Nigeria

This study examined the savings behaviour and income outcomes of small-scale agro-based entrepreneurs in Delta State, Nigeria, and evaluated how socioeconomic characteristics and institutional support systems shape their financial behaviour and economic performance. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 400 respondents across the 9 LGAs of the state. Primary data were obtained through a structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression models. Results showed that entrepreneurs actively engaged in formal, informal, and investment-oriented savings, with mean annual savings of ?182,372.63. Their investment patterns included physical, financial, and human capital investment, with a mean investment level of ?265,489.77. Regression results revealed that age (β = 0.230, p = 0.007), education (β = 0.315, p = 0.000), and farming experience (β = 0.280, p = 0.001) were significant predictors of savings behaviour. Savings had a strong positive effect on income, as shown by the significance of formal savings (β = 0.325, p = 0.002), informal savings (β = 0.298, p = 0.004), and investment-oriented savings (β = 0.350, p = 0.001). The study concludes that strengthening entrepreneurs’ access to credit, improving market structures, expanding extension services, and enhancing financial literacy would greatly improve their financial behaviour and income outcomes.