Skill Trainings as a Catalyst for Entrepreneurship Development: A Study of Kerala Agricultural University, India

Abstract

Entrepreneurship development through institutional skill training has emerged as a critical strategy for promoting rural livelihood diversification and agribusiness growth. The present study aimed to assess the role of skill training programmes conducted by Communication Centre operating under the Directorate of Extension, Kerala Agricultural University (KAU), in promoting entrepreneurial intentions among trainees. The study examined the socio-economic profile of trainees, their perceptions of training usefulness, attitudes towards KAU’s skill development efforts and their decision to initiate entrepreneurial ventures. A survey-based research approach was employed, and data were collected from trainees who participated in skill training programmes during 2023–2024. Results revealed that most participants belonged to the economically active age group, with relatively higher female participation and a considerable proportion having graduate-level education or above. A majority of respondents expressed interest in starting an enterprise, and most participants perceived the training programmes and KAU’s skill development efforts as highly useful and effective. Correlation analysis revealed a significant negative relationship between monthly income and entrepreneurial decision-making, indicating a greater inclination toward entrepreneurship among lower-income respondents. Land ownership exhibited a positive and significant association with enterprise initiation. However, media use, education level, perceived usefulness of training and attitude towards KAU efforts showed positive but statistically non-significant relationships with entrepreneurial decisions. The findings highlight the role of skill-oriented extension interventions in stimulating entrepreneurial intent while emphasising the influence of socio-economic factors such as income and asset ownership on enterprise initiation. Strengthening post-training support and targeted interventions could further enhance the effectiveness of institutional skill training programmes in fostering sustainable agripreneurship.