Assessing Environmental Support as a Predictor of Occupational Engagement among Women Entrepreneurs in Delta Districts

This study examined the influence of environmental support on the occupational engagement of women entrepreneurs in the Delta districts by considering five dimensions of environmental support: physical environment support, social support, economic support, institutional support, and cultural environment support. A descriptive research design was adopted, and primary data were collected from women entrepreneurs using a structured questionnaire. Multiple regression analysis was employed to assess the predictive effect of the environmental support dimensions on occupational engagement. The findings revealed that the regression model significantly explained variations in occupational engagement. Among the predictors, institutional support emerged as the strongest determinant, followed by social support. Cultural environment support and physical environment support also exerted significant positive influences on occupational engagement. However, economic support did not have a statistically significant effect. The study concludes that supportive institutional frameworks, strong social networks, and a favourable physical and cultural environment are essential in enhancing the occupational engagement of women entrepreneurs in the Delta districts, while financial support alone may not guarantee higher engagement. The findings provide valuable implications for policymakers, financial institutions, and entrepreneurship development agencies in designing integrated support systems that promote sustainable women entrepreneurship.