Journal of Academic Research for Humanities (JARH) is a double-blind, peer-reviewed, Open Free Access, online Multidisciplinary Research Journal
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Vol. 6 No. 2 (2026)
The International "Journal of Academic Research for Humanities"

Research Articles

Empowerment Through Enterprise: Assessing The Role of Business Development Training and Microfinance in Rural Malawian Women’s Poverty Reduction

https://doi.org/10.67244/jar.bwo-researches.v6i2.a598

Published 30-06-2026

  • Kachamba Ngwira
    • ,
  • Saima Sajid
    • ,
  • Syed Saqlain ul Hassan
    • ,
  • Farhana Sajid
    • ,
  • Rugenera Marc

Kachamba Ngwira
Researcher, School of Technology, Malawi University of Science and Technology, Malawi, Malawi

Saima Sajid
Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Business and Communication, Inti International University, Nilai, Negri Sembilan, Malaysia

Syed Saqlain ul Hassan
Designation, Department, Law, University of Sialkot, Punjab, Pakistan

Farhana Sajid
PhD Scholar, Department of Education, Ibadat International University, Punjab, Pakistan

Rugenera Marc
Faculty of Business and Communication, INT International University, Malaysia

Abstract

The study examines the effect of the Business Development Training (BDT) on business performance and economic empowerment of women entrepreneurs of the rural areas of Blantyre, Malawi, focused on beneficiaries of the Project Innovation Centre (PIC) Business Development fund. This study adopted a cross-sectional survey using quantitative methods with a sample of 150 women entrepreneurs who have attended BDT. Data analysis focused on descriptive income generated, confidence in entrepreneurial activities, identification of target customers, and business performance. The results suggested that BDT has a substantial impact on increasing entrepreneurial confidence and economic empowerment. Significantly, 94% of respondents reported greater entrepreneurial confidence, and 73% indicated higher profits and expansion of business. Effects were particularly pronounced among women with secondary and tertiary education, suggesting the importance of education in leveraging training. Yet, the impact of BDT was limited by contextual factors. Participants’ perception of the relevance of training was low, while illiteracy and the lack of infrastructure and market access prevented the skills learned from translating into long-term economic impact. Further, the study identified a lack of representation of younger women and those with lower educational attainment, which may indicate a lack of inclusivity and equal access to such programs. The research calls for more context-sensitive, inclusive, and market-access-and-infrastructure integrated BDT interventions for improved outcomes. The study was based on self-reported cross-sectional data without a control group, which could limit causal inference. In summary, the study offers empirical insights from rural Malawi on the need for integrated approaches to business development training. 

Keywords

Women Entrepreneurs, Business Development Training, Poverty Reduction, Economic, Empowerment, Microfinance

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