Credit Data Collection and Analysis in Small Scale Enterprises/Agricultural Lending Operation in Developing Countries : The Nigerian Experience

Data refers to facts, figures or pieces of information. Data will be used synonymously with statistics which may be defined as tabulated numerical facts pertaining to a specific subject or an aspect of it. In all aspect of life, statistical data form the basis of decisions and actions. In small scale enterprises lending statistical data support and fasten appraisal of projects. The lender is also better equipped to render objective advice and commentary on government policies and programme. Nigeria is used as a focus in parts of this research, but most of its contents are applicable to developing countries especially in West Africa. It is the specific objective of this paper to examine the nature, sources, analysis of credit date requirement in small scale enterprises/agricultural leading operations. It is hoped that at the end of this discussion, it will assist officials in financial institutions and agricultural business to have a better understanding of the data problems in their activities and how to deal with them