Towards an agricultural entrepreneurship development model: an empirical investigation in Namibia’s agricultural communities

Abstract

Purpose Entrepreneurship is increasingly being recognised as a vehicle for bringing about the development of different economic sectors in various geographical regions, and it is believed to result in greater productivity and entrepreneurial performance in agriculture. To date, there are no empirically verified holistic models focussing on the development of agricultural entrepreneurship in an African context. This study aims to fill this gap by developing an agricultural entrepreneurial development model (AEDM) that provides a basis for enhancing entrepreneurial performance in the agriculture sector. Design/methodology/approach First, a holistic conceptual AEDM was built from the extant literature with a focus on the African context and encompassing dimension of the enabling environment, entrepreneurial performance and its outcomes. Then, the model was tested empirically by conducting a survey with 477 farmers in Namibia who benefit from Namibia’s National Resettlement Programme and the Affirmative Action Loan Scheme. The model was tested statistically using partial least square-structural equation modelling. Findings The results reveal that a supportive environment, entrepreneurial orientation and agricultural sustainability exert a positive impact on entrepreneurial performance in agriculture, which, in turn, leads to greater agricultural productivity and increased income for farmers. Originality/value The study theoretically develops and empirically tests a holistic model of agricultural entrepreneurship development. The value of the model lies in its consideration of a plethora of enabling-environment antecedents of entrepreneurial performance in agriculture, as well as some specific organisational- and individual-level outcomes thereof. Therefore, it offers policymakers and practitioners a blueprint for developing agricultural entrepreneurship in an African context.

Factors affecting farmers’ entrepreneurial action at Etunda Green scheme project, Namibia

“…This seems that these farmers do not trade directly as legal business entities and it is therefore the argument of this study that this alone might have nurture trade limitations for the SSIF currently operating at the Etunda GSIP, As scholars Davari, Zehtabi, Negati and Zehtabi (2012) argues that a registered entity is more acceptable for business agreements and that only registered entities are able to engage in activities or deals such as the opening of commercial bank accounts, entering into trade contracts or even becoming liable under their own names and not necessarily that of their owner. In addition to that, registered entities are regulated and managed by the government authorities so that in the case of any dispute between members or anyone else, they can easily approach any such authority and resolve their dispute effectively (Bignotti, Antonites, & Kavari, 2021).…”

Effect of Entrepreneurial Marketing Practice on Performance of Small and Medium Agro Based Youth Enterprises in Kenya

“…In order to do this, the implementation of entrepreneurship must be based on established or carefully considered entrepreneurial methodologies. Due to the intricate and interdisciplinary nature of EM-2024-5764 entrepreneurship, there is no one entrepreneurial approach that improves the performance of agro-based youth small and medium enterprises (SMEs) (Bignotti, Antonites & Kavari, 2021).…”

“…Due to the intricate and interdisciplinary nature of entrepreneurship, there is no singular entrepreneurial approach that improves the performance of agro-based youth SMEs, as stated by Bignotti et al (2021). Hence, it is essential for youth agro-based SMEs to embrace entrepreneurial strategies that are most suitable for their specific company circumstances in order to enhance their performance.…”

“…Additionally, Adeyanju, Mignouna, Mulinganya, and Ashagidigbi (2023) suggest that it is necessary to consistently examine how entrepreneurial practices might enhance the performance of agro-based youth small and medium enterprises (SMEs). In addition, Bignotti et al (2021) suggest that the current body of literature begs for more research on the impact of entrepreneurial behaviors on outcomes such as the performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Clearly, Magaisa, Zhong, Srivastava, and Babu (2023) also acknowledge that there is a lack of research on the impact of entrepreneurial techniques on the performance of agro-based SMEs youth companies.…”

Effect of Entrepreneurial Networking Practice on Performance of Small and Medium Agro Based Youth Enterprises in Kenya

“…For this to be realized, entrepreneurship as a practice must be undertaken in proven or well thought out entrepreneurial practice. Given the complexity and multidisciplinary focus of entrepreneurship, there is no single entrepreneurial practice that enhances agro based youth SMEs performance (Bignotti et al, 2021). An entrepreneurial practice is how entrepreneurs get their enterprises operated in complex settings (Sitienei, 2020).…”