ABSTRACT

The study examined small scale industry and rural development in Nigeria. The sample used for this study consisted of 50 staff of the 5 selected SMEs in Awka South LGA. Research instrument was Questionnaire developed by the researcher and validated by the supervisor. A response rate of 50 (100%) was recorded during the administration of the research instrument. Data collected were analysed using frequency counts, mean, standard deviation and ANOVA. The findings revealed that the role of small scale industries in rural development include creation of employment, manpower training, promotion of competition, encourages the use of local resources, introduction to big business, encourages industrialization and reduction in urban rural imbalance. The researcher then concludes that there is no major or weighty difference in the responses given by the respondents on the role of small scale industries which confirms that small scale industries will help in rural development and employment generation. It was also recommended that government of this country should take a far reacting measure aimed at encouraging mass acceptance of made in Nigeria goods and services.