Pages: (148-161 )
Abstract
Social entrepreneurship has emerged as a critical mechanism for addressing persistent socio-economic challenges in developing economies, particularly poverty and uneven community development. In Nigeria, where structural poverty, unemployment, and weak public service delivery remain prevalent, social enterprises increasingly complement government and market efforts by deploying innovative, inclusive, and sustainable solutions. This study examines the impact of social entrepreneurship on poverty alleviation and community development in Nigeria, with specific focus on selected communities in Lagos State. Adopting a survey research design, data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to community leaders. Using descriptive statistics and regression analysis, the study establishes a significant positive relationship between social entrepreneurial activities, poverty reduction, and community development outcomes. The findings underscore the relevance of social entrepreneurship as a policy-relevant tool for inclusive development. The study concludes with recommendations for policymakers, development agencies, and practitioners, while highlighting contributions to knowledge and directions for future research.
Keywords: Social entrepreneurship, poverty alleviation, community development, inclusive growth, Nigeria,