Determinants of agripreneurship venture performance in Ghana’s metropolises: Empirical evidence from Accra and Kumasi

Jeffrey B. Appiagyei; Stephen C. Mukembo; Harvey S. James; Kerry Clark

doi:10.37433/aad.v7i1.669

Authors

Jeffrey B. Appiagyei University of Missouri, USA https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0676-7811
Stephen C. Mukembo University of Missouri, USA https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1909-9349
Harvey S. James University of Missouri, USA https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0189-271X
Kerry Clark University of Missouri, USA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37433/aad.v7i1.669

Keywords:

agripreneurs, agripreneurship, venture performance, agripreneurship sustainability, social capital, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

Abstract

The agricultural sector occupies a central role in Ghana’s economic development, with agripreneurs contributing to job creation, tax-base diversification, and foreign exchange earnings. However, these agripreneurs face social, economic, environmental, and technical challenges that impact their venture performance. This study employed a hybrid thematic analysis to investigate factors influencing agripreneurship venture performance in the Accra and Kumasi Metropolitan areas. Findings revealed that social factors, such as human and social capital, were critical determinants of success. Key elements included technical expertise, strong interpersonal relationships, excellent customer relationships, and leadership skills. Conversely, economic constraints, including insufficient capital and business-model fragility, were the primary drivers of agripreneurship venture failures. Based on these findings, to promote long-term sustainability and profitability, we recommend establishing integrated agripreneurship support centers that provide financing and on-demand trainings; establish dedicated agricultural financing programs with flexible, cycle-aligned terms, and encourage agripreneurs to leverage Ghana Incentive-based Risk-sharing System for Agricultural Lending. Also, creating structured mentorship programs that pair experienced agripreneurs and novice agripreneurs can help strengthen the social and human capital needed for business growth. Future research should investigate financial institutions’ cautious approach extending credit to agripreneurs in the study areas, and also examine how employee attitudes and behaviors influence venture performance.

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