Perceptions and Implementation of Sustainability Practices in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Nigeria's Retail Sector: A Qualitative Analysis
(2025) SMMM40 20251Department of Service Studies
- Abstract
- This study examines the perception, implementation, and challenges of sustainable supply chain practices among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria's retail sector. The retail industry in emerging economies like Nigeria, is dominated by SMEs, are crucial for economic growth and employment but often face significant barriers to adopting sustainability.
Using a qualitative methodology, this research conducted semi-structured interviews with 10 SME owners and supply chain actors. The Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM) theory and the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) framework guided the data analysis, focusing on the economic, environmental, and social dimensions of sustainability.
Our findings revealed that Nigerian retail... (More) - This study examines the perception, implementation, and challenges of sustainable supply chain practices among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria's retail sector. The retail industry in emerging economies like Nigeria, is dominated by SMEs, are crucial for economic growth and employment but often face significant barriers to adopting sustainability.
Using a qualitative methodology, this research conducted semi-structured interviews with 10 SME owners and supply chain actors. The Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM) theory and the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) framework guided the data analysis, focusing on the economic, environmental, and social dimensions of sustainability.
Our findings revealed that Nigerian retail SMEs primarily interpreted sustainability through the lens of business longevity and cost-efficiency, aligning closely with the economic pillar of the TBL. While commendable efforts in waste repurposing, transitions to cleaner energy, and ethical labor standards were evident, broader engagement with environmental and social sustainability remained limited and largely reactive. Key barriers identified included financial constraints, limited access to sustainable suppliers, a lack of awareness and technical expertise, weak institutional support, and fragmented supply chains. However, growing consumer awareness and increased stakeholder influence present emerging opportunities for progress.
The study concludes that although there is a clear desire among SMEs for greater resilience, systemic operational and structural barriers continue to hinder deeper integration of sustainability. It underscores the need for targeted policies, accessible green finance, tailored education, and collaborative multi-stakeholder initiatives to build SME capacity. This research contributes to the understanding of sustainability adoption in grassroots businesses within low-capacity, high-informality contexts, offering practical implications for policymakers, educational institutions, NGOs, and SMEs to foster a more sustainable retail sector in Nigeria. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
http://lup.lub.lu.se/student-papers/record/9213708
- author
- Edeh, Ada Maryloveth LU and Onu, Lynda Obioma
- supervisor
- organization
- course
- SMMM40 20251
- year
- 2025
- type
- H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
- subject
- keywords
- Sustainable Supply Chain Management, Triple Bottom Line, SMEs, Nigeria, Retail Sector, Sustainability Barriers, Green Finance, Stakeholder Engagement, Emerging Economies
- language
- English
- id
- 9213708
- date added to LUP
- 2025-10-10 09:11:20
- date last changed
- 2025-10-10 09:11:20
@misc{9213708,
abstract = {{This study examines the perception, implementation, and challenges of sustainable supply chain practices among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria's retail sector. The retail industry in emerging economies like Nigeria, is dominated by SMEs, are crucial for economic growth and employment but often face significant barriers to adopting sustainability.
Using a qualitative methodology, this research conducted semi-structured interviews with 10 SME owners and supply chain actors. The Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM) theory and the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) framework guided the data analysis, focusing on the economic, environmental, and social dimensions of sustainability.
Our findings revealed that Nigerian retail SMEs primarily interpreted sustainability through the lens of business longevity and cost-efficiency, aligning closely with the economic pillar of the TBL. While commendable efforts in waste repurposing, transitions to cleaner energy, and ethical labor standards were evident, broader engagement with environmental and social sustainability remained limited and largely reactive. Key barriers identified included financial constraints, limited access to sustainable suppliers, a lack of awareness and technical expertise, weak institutional support, and fragmented supply chains. However, growing consumer awareness and increased stakeholder influence present emerging opportunities for progress.
The study concludes that although there is a clear desire among SMEs for greater resilience, systemic operational and structural barriers continue to hinder deeper integration of sustainability. It underscores the need for targeted policies, accessible green finance, tailored education, and collaborative multi-stakeholder initiatives to build SME capacity. This research contributes to the understanding of sustainability adoption in grassroots businesses within low-capacity, high-informality contexts, offering practical implications for policymakers, educational institutions, NGOs, and SMEs to foster a more sustainable retail sector in Nigeria.}},
author = {{Edeh, Ada Maryloveth and Onu, Lynda Obioma}},
language = {{eng}},
note = {{Student Paper}},
title = {{Perceptions and Implementation of Sustainability Practices in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Nigeria's Retail Sector: A Qualitative Analysis}},
year = {{2025}},
}