Financial Literacy Intervention and Microenterprise Sustainability Among Rural Women Entrepreneurs: A Mixed-Methods Study Toward a Sustainable Livelihood Framework

This study hypothesizes that financial literacy intervention significantly improves the financial capability, entrepreneurial financial behavior, and microenterprise sustainability of rural women entrepreneurs. Specifically, the study assumes that women entrepreneurs who participate in financial literacy training will demonstrate higher levels of financial knowledge, improved financial management practices, and greater enterprise sustainability compared with those who do not receive the intervention. The data to be gathered will consist of quantitative and qualitative information collected from 300 rural women entrepreneurs, composed of 150 participants in the intervention group and 150 participants in the control group. Quantitative data will be obtained through structured questionnaires measuring financial literacy and microenterprise sustainability before and after the intervention. The survey will include indicators such as financial knowledge, budgeting practices, savings behavior, credit management, business record keeping, income stability, business continuity, and growth potential. Qualitative data will be collected through key informant interviews and focus group discussions involving selected participants to explore their experiences, challenges, and perceived effects of the financial literacy program. The expected data will show whether participation in financial literacy training produces measurable improvements in entrepreneurial financial practices and business sustainability outcomes. Statistical analyses, including mean comparison, paired sample t-test, independent sample t-test, correlation analysis, and regression analysis, will be used to determine the significance and relationship between financial literacy intervention and microenterprise sustainability. Qualitative responses will be analyzed through thematic analysis to identify common experiences and explanations behind the quantitative results. The interpretation of the data will focus on determining whether enhanced financial capability contributes to better entrepreneurial decision-making and improved enterprise performance. Positive changes in financial literacy scores, business management practices, and sustainability indicators among the intervention group will provide evidence supporting the effectiveness of financial literacy programs. The findings may be used by policymakers, local government units, development organizations, and educational institutions in designing evidence-based entrepreneurship and livelihood programs for rural women entrepreneurs.