Determinants and constraints of women's sole-owned tourism micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Tanzania

This paper explores the determinants and challenges affecting women sole owners of tourism-related enterprises. It identifies factors that determine sole ownership, assesses the extent to which women participate as sole owners and the challenges encountered in establishing and operating enterprises. Primary data on 475 women-owned enterprises is analysed using a probit model. We find that post-primary education, attendance of specialised training in tourism, engagement in other economic activities, and being previously employed reduces the likelihood of solely owning a business, while initiation of the business idea increases it. We recommend offering women entrepreneurial education to enable them acquire experience, develop right attitudes and foster networks for entrepreneurship. Furthermore, increasing awareness on availability and access to the Women Development Fund (WDF) and strengthening the enforcement of laws governing ownership of land could provide women with start-up capital and means to access formal loans that require collateral.