Household Financial Sustainability through Continuous Income Regeneration: Evidence from Rural Entrepreneurs in Nigeria
Conference: The 23rd Annual International Conference of the Igbo Studies Association (ISA) (2026)
Presenter(s): Gilbert Ogechukwu Nworie, Nworie, Joseph Ogonna
Tags: Conference 2026
Abstract
In many rural Nigerian households, income from seasonal farming, trading, or casual labor is irregular, often falling short of ongoing expenses. Limited savings mean that money spent on basic needs or business inputs is rarely replenished quickly, leaving families exposed to sudden financial shocks. Thus, this study aimed to examine how continuous income regeneration contributes to household financial sustainability among rural entrepreneurs in Nigeria. The specific objectives were to assess the mechanisms through which rural households generate and replenish income continuously and to evaluate the impact of continuous income regeneration on household financial stability. The study adopted an interpretivist research philosophy and an inductive approach, using a survey research design to explore the experiences of rural entrepreneurs across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, with a total sample of thirty-six respondents. Data were collected through structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis to identify patterns, strategies, and challenges in income regeneration and financial management. The findings revealed that rural households employed diverse methods to continuously generate income, and those who maintained effective income cycles were more financially stable and resilient to economic shocks. In conclusion, when income is continuously regenerated, households experience a form of economic equilibrium that allows them to respond to unforeseen challenges without compromising ongoing livelihood activities. Hence, small-scale entrepreneurs should consistently reinvest a portion of their profits into their businesses, guided by cooperative societies and microfinance institutions, to ensure that spending contributes directly to future income generation and the sustainability of livelihood activities.
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