IMPACT OF MICROCREDITS, ENTREPRENEURSHIP EDUCATION AND ENTREPRENEURIAL ORIENTATION ON THE PERFORMANCE OF AGRIBUSINESSES IN BENUE STATE

Abstract

Performance of SMEs particularly those in the agricultural sub-sector is critical for economic growth and development. However there are many obstacles hindering the optimum performance of agribusinesses. This study therefore surveyed the impact of microcredit, entrepreneurial orientation and entrepreneurship education on agribusiness performance in North-East Senatorial Benue State, Nigeria. A sample of 378 questionnaires was analyzed using Structural equation modelling. The study found that microcredit and entrepreneurship education have significant positive effect on agribusiness performance while entrepreneurial orientation has a positive but insignificant effect on agribusiness performance. The study therefore recommends that agribusiness owners/mangers should ensure to acquire entrepreneurship education/training skills so as to help equip them with the necessary knowledge for starting running and managing their agribusinesses innovatively for enhanced performance.