INNOVATIVE PRACTICES FOR THE SURVIVAL OF SMALL ENTERPRISES DURING AND AFTER COVID-19 IN KAFANCHAN, JEMA’A LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KADUNA STATE

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic created severe disruptions in global economic activities and significantly affected the operations of small enterprises, particularly in developing economies. This study examined innovative practices adopted by small enterprises for survival during and after the COVID-19 pandemic in Kafanchan, Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study identified innovative strategies employed during the pandemic, examined innovative practices implemented in the post-pandemic period, and assessed factors influencing innovative  practices among entrepreneurs. A survey research design was adopted, and data were collected primarily through a structured questionnaire administered to 100 small enterprise operators, while key informant interviews were subsequently conducted to validate and enrich the survey findings. Descriptive statistics such as frequency distributions, percentages, and mean scores were used for data analysis. The findings revealed that enterprises adopted several innovative strategies during the pandemic, including improved hygiene practices with the highest mean score of 3.20, digital communication tools, online marketing, and shortened supply chains. Post-pandemic innovative practices included product diversification, digital transformation, improved financial management, and enhanced customer engagement, with digital technology use recording a high mean score of 3.16. The study concludes that innovative practices significantly contributed to the resilience and survival of small enterprises during economic disruptions. The study recommends increased digital adoption, financial support for small enterprises, and improved entrepreneurial capacity-building programmes to strengthen business resilience in future crises.