Influence of Agripreneurial Orientation Constructs on Growth of Cassava-Based Small and Medium Enterprises in Migori County, Kenya

Abstract

The study sought to analyse influence of agripreneurial orientation constructs on growth of cassava based small and medium enterprises in Migori County, Kenya. Data were collected using snow balling sampling method from 171 cassava agripreneurs. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics and Probit model. The study revealed that the respondents were middle aged (43 years), majority were female (78.4%.), had reached formal education (52%), average age of enterprises was 10years and average quantity of cassava traded per week of 29 Kg, average number of workers employed of 2 persons while the average distance to the market being 3Km. The important and statistically significant variables that influence growth of cassava based small and medium enterprises include: Education level (p<0.05), number of Skilled employees (P<.01), owner experience (P<.1), number of trained employees (P<0.01), enterprise age (P<0.05), competitive aggressiveness (P<.01) and agripreneurial orientation (P<0.05) with Psedudo R2 value (.5946). According to these findings, the study recommends that the government should empower cassava based agripreneurs through training, trade fairs and capacity building to change the mind-set of the agripreneurs while providing incentives in venturing into cassava for the growth of the agrienterprises as well as individual growth. The government of Kenya can achieve these through its agricultural organizations with collaborations with Non-Governmental organizations and other stakeholders.