Analysis of Entrepreneurship Development in Agriculture Among Female Groundnut Farmers in Enugu State

Abstract

This paper examines the entrepreneurship development in agriculture among female groundnut farmers in Enugu state. Eighty female farmers were selected using multi-stage random sampling techniques. Well structured questionnaire was the main tool for data collection. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools, and five point likert scale rating. Results showed that their mean age was 43 years. Majority were married with average household size of five persons. Farmers had small farm sizes of 1.7 hectares. Their average income per farming season was N117000. Majority of the female farmers identified need to increase their income, desire to succeed; need to care for their family and desire to be financially independent as the key drive to entrepreneurship development in groundnut production. They complained of poor access to entrepreneurship education and information, and inadequate capital as major challenges hindering their entrepreneurship development. Despite the challenges, entrepreneurship drive and participation was high. It was recommended that effective and adequate policies and programmes on entrepreneurship should be developed especially for female farmers. Entrepreneurship education/training at all levels to ensure capacity building was also advocated. Most importantly, government should provide soft loans and grants to female farmers as a way to enhance their entrepreneurial spirit and development for national food security.

Keywords: Entrepreneurship development, Groundnut production, Female farmers, Challenges