CAN COVID-19 RECOVERY MEASURE BRIDGE GENDER DIVIDE? EVIDENCE FROM IMPACT OF COVID-19 SURVIVAL FUND ON HOUSEHOLD INCOME IN NIGERIA

In this paper, we assess the impact of the covid-19 MSME survival fund on entrepreneurs' income in southwest Nigeria. A total of 594 entrepreneurs were chosen by gender using a multi-stage selection technique. Cross-sectional data were obtained through structured questionnaire and subjected to propensity score matching (PSM), inverse probability-weighted regression adjustment (IPWRA), and instrumental variable (IV) regression approach to control for possible endogeneity that could arise from the data collection. Enterprise income was used as indicator to estimate the impact of covid-19 MSME survival fund scheme. There was a significant difference in income earned by male and female entrepreneurs due to their awareness and participation covid-19 MSME survival fund scheme. The size of the estimated treatment effect indicates a high improvement in the income outcome of beneficiaries. Findings show that age, entrepreneurial experience, access to credit and extension services, and number of years live in the community have statistically significant correlations with male and female entrepreneurs' participation in the covid-19 MSME survival fund scheme. Gender-sensitive policy and regulatory frameworks (together with their implementation) are essential for bridging the gender gap and encouraging female entrepreneurs to participate in programs that will help them grow their businesses and earn more income.