Challenges and Prospects of Agricultural Entrepreneurs in Zuru Metropolis Area of Kebbi State, Nigeria

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to examine the challenges and prospects of Agricultural Entrepreneurs in Zuru Metropolis, Zuru Local Government Area of Kebbi State, Nigeria. A simple random sampling technique was use to select 100 respondents from the study area. A structured questionnaire was use to collect data, which were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The result revealed that the majority (78%) of the entrepreneurs were males, 54% fell within the age bracket of 31 – 40 years and 90% of the respondents were married. 62% of the respondents were civil servant (major occupation) while 52% engaged on trading businesses (other occupation) respectively. The result also reveals that the businesses undertaken by the entrepreneurs were moderately acceptable and highly profitable in the study area. The result further reveals that half (50%) of the respondents had attain educational levels of HD/HND and First Degree. The null hypothesis (Ho) tested shows that there was significant relationship between socio-economic characteristics of respondents and business profitability (major occupation (t-value -2.671), other occupation (t-value 1.510) educational level (t-value 2.719) with R2-value 0.86. The result also reveals that 33.7% of respondents reported to face a problem of capital in their businesses. The study conclude that for a profitable Agribusinesses this depends on the extent issues raised as possible solutions to the problems faced by the entrepreneurs as addressed in the study. Finally, the study recommends an about entrepreneurship education campaign as well as provision of subsidies and credit facilities to empowered entrepreneurs.