Education in agricultural entrepreneurship: training needs and learning practices

What is it about?

The purpose of this study is, first, to conceptualize entrepreneurship and entrepreneurship education, to highlight the role and necessity of entrepreneurship education in enhancing entrepreneurship, and to formulate relevant research proposals. The quantitative data were collected through a survey (structured questionnaire) on 412 agricultural enterprises in the region of Aitoloakarnania in Greece. The responses were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistical methods. The findings of the study show that farmers/landowners have low levels of entrepreneurship education (only 30.6% have received relevant education) and therefore have higher needs. The 50.2% of respondents declare that they are willing to pay to attend an entrepreneurship education program. Existing entrepreneurship education research is useful in promoting the body of knowledge of what, when and how farmers need it, giving policy makers and researchers the opportunity to evaluate and build on research findings. Given the shortage of research data identified, particularly at national level, on the role of education in agricultural entrepreneurship, this study contributes significantly to this research field, as the recognition of educational needs that affect the effectiveness of 'agribusiness', is a crucial event for the future of rural entrepreneurship.

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