Navigating Environmental Degradation Challenges of Entrepreneurs in the Niger Delta, Nigeria: Towards Strategic Entrepreneurship Model

Environmental degradation induced problems emanating from crude oil extraction of Transnational Oil Companies (TNOCs) such as gas flaring, acid rains, water pollution, oil spill, coastal flooding etc, pose a significant challenge to small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Niger Delta, yet an understudied theme in entrepreneurial studies in the Global South. The objective of this study is to navigate these challenges posed by environmental degradation and their impacts on entrepreneurs in the Niger Delta. To fill this research gap, the study integrates strategic entrepreneurship norms building on the theory of planned behavior and innovation activities from the resource-based view. Data were collected from a survey of 399 SMEs registered with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and analyzed data using SmartPLS. Our findings showed that environmental degradation has significant adverse effects on SMEs. Findings further revealed that strategic entrepreneurship options have positive impacts on entrepreneurship, with the latter significantly impacting entrepreneurial performance. Our findings offer new insights into strategic entrepreneurial management and performance. In the alternative, to strengthen and build entrepreneurs against environmental degradation, the study proposes strategic entrepreneurship model, institutionalized through innovative approaches and sustainable norms, and in particular to promote SMEs’ efficiency.