MSEs' Perception and Assessment of Disaster Impact on Sustainability

The book examines the owner-managers¿ perception and assessment of disaster risk impact on micro and small enterprises (MSEs) ¿ sustainability in rural- urban set up of a developing economy in Africa. It notes that entrepreneurial traits greatly influence risk decisions by micro and small entrepreneurs across gender. However, four cluster traits found outstanding were commitment, determination and perseverance; drive to achieve/succeed; calculated risk taking and risk seeking together with self-confidence & optimism. Further, it notes that demographic characteristics that significantly influence micro and small entrepreneurs¿ perception of disaster risks were age, ethnicity, training and education. However, on gender basis, women entrepreneurs were keener on risks before investing as opposed to male entrepreneurs. This is attributed to their being in business due to necessity and not because there is an opportunity as is the case for male entrepreneurs. Moreover, several sources of information and approaches blended to inform micro and small entrepreneurs¿ assessment of risks affecting their enterprises.