Promotion and development of rural Micro Small Enter- prise‘s (MSE‘s) as drivers for improved welfare and liveli-

The objective of our study is to identify the most relevant factors limiting the poverty reduction and growth potentials of rural micro and small scale enterprises (MSE) in the Northern region of Ghana. For that purpose, we profile the main characteristics of MSEs by means of literature review, focus group discussions (FGD), and personal interviews of key informants. The insight gained from this qualitative research is supported by quantitative data collected by means of a structured questionnaire designed for the local actors in the MSE sector. The study covered six districts in the northern region. Generally, the study indicates that several constraints related to vocational training, management and lack of access to larger distribution networks and technology hamper the path of rural enterprise development and poverty reduction in rural Northern Ghana. Policy makers, development planners and business development organisations play a major role in helping the region to overcome these obstacles by designing the appropriate incentive packages, training and financial support for rural small-scale enterprises development.