Assessing the Entrepreneurial Behaviour of Vegetable Farmers in the Bandarawela area, Sri Lanka
Entrepreneurial Behaviour of Bandarawela Vegetable Farmers
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17501/Keywords:
entrepreneurial behavior, multiple linear regression, decision-making ability, economic motivation, entrepreneurshipAbstract
This study aimed to explore the entrepreneurial behaviour of vegetable farmers in Bandarawela, Sri Lanka. It was conducted across three divisional secretariates, Kumbalwela, Ella and Halpe. The study applied a random sampling technique to select respondents, and a pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to collect data. The results of the descriptive analysis revealed that 64% of vegetable farmers are in the older age group. About 41% own medium-sized farmlands, and the majority (85%) are engaged in farming as their sole occupation. Most farmers (53%) earn a medium income level, and 80% have a medium level of mass media participation. Most of the farmers (66%) contact extension officers monthly, but their participation in extension programs is low. The results also revealed that the majority of vegetable farmers (76%) exhibit a medium level of entrepreneurial behaviour. As per the results of the regression analysis, there was a significant and positive relationship between entrepreneurial behaviour and independent variables such as occupation, annual income, mass media participation, financial literacy, and the shift to controlled environmental agriculture among the farmers. Based on the findings, improving the facilities will strengthen entrepreneurial capacity among vegetable farmers in Bandarawela. Proposed policy measures should be focused mainly on infrastructure development in protected agriculture, financial literacy, access to credit, extension services, training, education, and mass media participation. Addressing these key areas can contribute to sustainable agricultural development and improve the livelihoods of farmers in the study area
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