Exploring Green Entrepreneurship in Business Climate: Towards Change Adaptation in South-South Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the effect of green entrepreneurship on climate change adaptation. The specific objectives were to examine how waste management and recycling affect community-based adaptation; and unveil how resource efficiency affect adaptive capacity of enterprises. The study employed a survey research design. The research focused on business enterprises located in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, and Rivers states, which are recognized for their diverse industrial activities, including manufacturing, agriculture, and services. The population for this study consisted of 220,765 enterprises. In this study, a sample size of 384 was established. A multi-stage sampling technique was utilized. The study employed both descriptive and inferential statistical statistics for data analysis. All hypotheses were tested using regression at a significance level of 5%, with regression models facilitating the hypothesis testing process. Findings show that waste management and recycling have a strong and statistically significant positive effect on community-based adaptation, suggesting that communities that integrate structured recycling systems and effective waste practices are better equipped to respond to environmental and socio-economic stresses. Finding also reveals that resource efficiency has a strong and statistically significant positive effect on the adaptive capacity of enterprises. The study concludes that green entrepreneurship plays a foundational role in advancing climate change adaptation, as it promotes innovation, environmental responsibility, and sustainable resource use across communities and enterprises. The study therefore recommended that SMEs should invest in structured recycling programs, strengthen waste-segregation systems, and promote public awareness initiatives to enhance resilience against climate-related challenges. SMEs should also prioritize eco-efficient production processes, invest in technologies that reduce material and energy waste, and embed resource optimization strategies into their long-term sustainability plans to strengthen organizational resilience.