1.1 Introduction
Electoral violence refers to the use or threat of physical force, intimidation, harassment, or destruction of property before, during, or after elections with the intention of influencing electoral outcomes or discouraging political participation (United Nations Development Programme, 2009). Electoral violence is recognized as one of the major challenges affecting democratic governance and socioeconomic development in many developing countries, particularly where political competition is intense. In Nigeria, elections have often been accompanied by incidents of violence that result in loss of lives, destruction of property, displacement of residents, and disruption of economic activities (European Union Election Observation Mission, 2023).
Small businesses are businesses that operate with relatively small capital, limited workforce, and modest turnover, but they play a significant role in employment generation, poverty reduction, innovation, and economic development (SMEDAN, 2022). However, whenever electoral violence occurs, many business owners suffer financial losses due to reduced patronage, damage to business assets, temporary closure of shops, and interruptions in transportation and commercial activities.
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the aim and objectives of the study. Others are significance of the study, scope of work, research hypothesis and questions, limitation of the study and definition of terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Electoral violence has become one of the major challenges affecting democratic governance and economic development in many developing countries. According to Paul Collier (2009), electoral violence refers to acts of intimidation, coercion, physical attacks, destruction of property, and other forms of aggression that occur before, during, or after elections with the intention of influencing electoral outcomes or discouraging political participation. Elections are expected to provide citizens with an opportunity to choose their leaders peacefully. However, in many countries, particularly those with fragile political institutions, elections are often accompanied by violence that disrupts normal social and economic activities.
Small businesses are recognized as the backbone of many economies because they create employment opportunities, stimulate innovation, and contribute significantly to national income. According to the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (2022), small businesses account for a substantial proportion of employment and business establishments in Nigeria, making them vital contributors to economic development. In the same vein, the World Bank (2023) stated that small and medium-sized enterprises contribute significantly to poverty reduction and inclusive economic growth by creating jobs and supporting local production. Their survival, however, depends largely on a peaceful and stable operating environment.
Electoral violence poses serious threats to the operations and growth of small businesses because it disrupts commercial activities and increases the cost of doing business. According to United Nations Development Programme (2009), election-related violence often results in destruction of public infrastructure, displacement of residents, restriction of movement, and interruption of economic activities. Likewise, International Foundation for Electoral Systems (2023) reported that businesses operating in conflict-prone areas usually experience declining sales, reduced customer confidence, delayed supply of goods, and increased security expenses during periods of electoral unrest.
Nigeria has experienced several incidents of electoral violence since the country's return to democratic rule in 1999. According to Jinadu Adele (2011), election-related conflicts have continued to undermine democratic consolidation because political competition is frequently characterized by intimidation, vote buying, and violent confrontations. Furthermore, the Independent National Electoral Commission (2023) affirmed that although electoral reforms have improved election administration, incidents of violence remain a challenge in some parts of the country. Such violence affects not only the political system but also economic activities that depend on peace and stability.
Plateau State has remained one of the states in Nigeria that has experienced repeated communal and political conflicts over the years. According to International Crisis Group (2022), the recurring conflicts in Plateau State have contributed to insecurity, displacement of communities, destruction of businesses, and weakening of economic activities. Moreover, Isaac Olawale Albert (2007) asserted that the combination of political rivalry and ethnic tensions has made election periods particularly sensitive in several communities within the state. These developments have created a difficult business environment, especially for small enterprises that often lack the financial capacity to recover from repeated losses.
The relationship between electoral violence and small business growth has attracted increasing scholarly attention because political instability directly affects economic performance. Consistent with this view, according to Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (2021), insecurity increases operational costs, reduces investment confidence, disrupts supply chains, and slows business productivity. Supporting this position, the African Development Bank (2022) reported that stable political environments promote entrepreneurship and improve the resilience of small businesses by encouraging investment and expanding market opportunities.
Relatedly, according to United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (2022), political stability enhances business confidence by reducing uncertainty and attracting domestic and foreign investment. Along the same line, the International Labour Organization (2022) stated that small businesses contribute significantly to employment generation but remain highly vulnerable to external shocks such as political violence and insecurity because they possess limited financial reserves. Electoral violence therefore affects not only business owners but also employees, suppliers, consumers, and the wider economy.
This study is set against the backdrop of the persistent electoral violence experienced in parts of Plateau State and its perceived impact on the growth, sustainability, and resilience of small businesses in Jos South Local Government Area.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that electoral violence has become a recurring challenge during election periods in many parts of Nigeria, especially in areas with a history of political tension such as Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State. Incidents such as clashes, destruction of property, movement restrictions, and insecurity often disrupt normal business activities. As a result, many small business owners experience low customer patronage, temporary business closure, loss of goods, and reduced income, making it difficult for their businesses to survive and expand (Albert, 2007).
Furthermore, small businesses depend on a peaceful environment to attract customers, receive supplies, and generate steady revenue. However, repeated election-related disturbances discourage investment, increase operational risks, and weaken business confidence. Some entrepreneurs relocate their businesses to safer areas, while others are forced to reduce production or completely shut down due to fear of violence and financial losses (International Foundation for Electoral Systems, 2023). It is against this backdrop that this study seeks to examine the impact of electoral violence on small business growth in Jos South Local Government Area, Plateau State.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of this study is to examine the impact of electoral violence on small business growth in Jos South Local Government Area, Plateau State.
The specific objectives of this research are to:
- Examine the effect of electoral violence on the operations of small businesses in Jos South Local Government Area.
- Determine the influence of electoral violence on the sales and profitability of small businesses.
- Assess the effect of electoral violence on customer patronage of small businesses.
- Examine the impact of electoral violence on business expansion and investment decisions.
- Identify measures that can reduce the effect of electoral violence on small business growth.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The following research questions will guide the study:
- What effect does electoral violence have on the operations of small businesses in Jos South Local Government Area?
- How does electoral violence influence the sales and profitability of small businesses?
- What effect does electoral violence have on customer patronage of small businesses?
- How does electoral violence affect business expansion and investment decisions?
- What measures can reduce the effect of electoral violence on small business growth?
1.6 Research Hypotheses
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
Hypothesis One
- H0: Electoral violence has no significant effect on the operations of small businesses in Jos South Local Government Area.
- H1: Electoral violence has a significant effect on the operations of small businesses in Jos South Local Government Area.
Hypothesis Two
- H0: Electoral violence has no significant influence on the sales and profitability of small businesses in Jos South Local Government Area.
- H1: Electoral violence has a significant influence on the sales and profitability of small businesses in Jos South Local Government Area.
Hypothesis Three
- H0: Electoral violence has no significant effect on customer patronage of small businesses in Jos South Local Government Area.
- H1: Electoral violence has a significant effect on customer patronage of small businesses in Jos South Local Government Area.
Hypothesis Four
- H0: Electoral violence has no significant impact on business expansion and investment decisions in Jos South Local Government Area.
- H1: Electoral violence has a significant impact on business expansion and investment decisions in Jos South Local Government Area.
Hypothesis Five
- H0: Measures adopted have no significant effect on reducing the impact of electoral violence on small business growth in Jos South Local Government Area.
- H1: Measures adopted have a significant effect on reducing the impact of electoral violence on small business growth in Jos South Local Government Area.
1.7 Significance of Study
The outcome of this research will provide factual information that supports government efforts to improve election security and protect business activities during election periods. This research will also provide evidence that supports the design of practical measures for protecting small businesses from election-related disruptions.
Furthermore, the findings will benefit small business owners by identifying the major challenges associated with electoral violence, enabling them to adopt practical measures that reduce business disruption during election periods.
Lastly, the result obtained will serve as a reliable source of information for researchers and students by providing relevant literature on the relationship between electoral violence and small business growth in Nigeria.
1.8 Scope of Study
This study focuses on the impact of electoral violence on small business growth in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, there were some problems encountered which stood as limitations to the research work. Some of the limitations include:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
- Initial Cooperation Delay from Respondents: A particular limitation of this work came as a result of the respondent refusal to offer their cooperation at the initial time they were contacted. This contributed in making the success of this research study difficult.
1.10 Definition of Terms
Electoral Violence:
Electoral violence refers to the use or threat of force, intimidation, harassment, or destruction of property before, during, or after elections with the aim of influencing election outcomes or discouraging political participation (United Nations Development Programme, 2009).
Small Business:
A small business is a business enterprise that operates with relatively few employees, limited capital, and modest annual turnover while contributing to employment creation and economic development (Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, 2022).
Business Growth:
Business growth refers to the increase in the size, sales, profitability, customer base, investment, or overall performance of a business over a period of time (World Bank, 2023).
Election:
An election is a democratic process through which eligible citizens choose individuals to occupy public offices through voting (Independent National Electoral Commission, 2023).
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