Factors affecting farmers’ entrepreneurial action at Etunda Green scheme project, Namibia

Abstract

This study investigates factors limiting the entrepreneurial action of small-scale irrigation farmers (SSIF) at the Namibian Green Scheme Irrigation Project (GSIP).  Literature was reviewed on the concepts of the agricultural sector in Namibia, entrepreneurship action, and agricultural entrepreneurship in Namibia and elsewhere. The paper used a quantitative research approach to produce descriptive statistics of the agricultural entrepreneurs' experiences when starting and operating their projects. Data were collected using a questionnaire surveying the Etunda Green scheme irrigation project. The study used Microsoft Office Excel 2019 analysis tool pack to analyse the data. The key findings revealed that most SSIF operating at the project are obstructed by some elements of the policy environment, finance, business support services, market environment, infrastructure, and ecological factors. The study praises that sectoral connections should be strengthened, and government should prioritise and target elements that would improve the overall performance of the Namibian agricultural sector. The study offers policymakers and practitioners a blueprint for developing entrepreneurship in an agricultural context, specifically the Namibian Green Scheme Projects.