Factors Influencing Agro-Entrepreneurship among Young Participants in the ‘Hybrid Melon Incubation Programme’ at Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA)

Nurin Hadirah Abd Razak, Siti Hajar Kamaruddin, Nur Jannah Jamil, Suhaili Arifin

Abstract


The agro-entrepreneurship sector is widely regarded as a crucial avenue for enhancing youth employment prospects and fostering sustainable economic growth. Despite substantial government investments in various agro-entrepreneurship initiatives—such as the Young Agropreneur Programme (PAM), the Agro Youth Exhibition, the Agro Youth Entrepreneur Incubator Programme (IUBT), and the Youth Agropreneur Grant—youth participation in this sector remains relatively low. This study seeks to explore the underlying factors influencing youth involvement in agro-entrepreneurship, focusing specifically on participants of the Hybrid Melon Incubation Programme at Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA). Employing a descriptive qualitative research design, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with five purposively selected respondents. The findings reveal that both internal factors (such as personal interest, motivation, and self-efficacy) and external factors (including peer influence, adult mentorship, and programme characteristics) play significant roles in shaping the participants’ engagement in agro-entrepreneurial activities. Moreover, the results highlight the importance of supportive social networks, effective training, and access to resources in encouraging entrepreneurial mindsets among youth. The study concludes that young people require continuous social and institutional support to realise their potential and sustain interest in the agro-entrepreneurship sector. These insights are expected to inform policymakers, educators, and programme developers in strengthening youth-oriented agricultural initiatives in Malaysia.

 


Keywords


Entrepreneurial tendency; Agro-entrepreneurship; Youth

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References


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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17576/ebangi.2026.2301.04

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