Path analysis of non-farmer’s intention to enter farm and farm-related businesses: a case of Bangladesh
摘要
This study examined non-farmers’ intention structures toward engagement in farming and farm-related businesses in Bangladeshi young and middle generations. Using data from an online questionnaire survey, we quantitatively investigated the structural relationship between the intention to engage in farming and farm-related businesses and the factors influencing intention in Bangladesh. Cross-tabulation and path analyses were performed. Cross-tabulation analysis extracted two major trends of farming types: organic vegetable and organic dairy farming. Furthermore, the mediating factors of interest in agri-entrepreneurs and saving money for new businesses were positively correlated with organic vegetable and dairy farming. Job status and lower educational level were positively correlated with agri-entrepreneurial intention. In contrast, gender and age factors were negatively correlated with savings for new businesses, whereas the path of farm business perception was positive. Farming experience and farm business perceptions were positively correlated with the direct effect on farm-related businesses. The correlation between agriculture and agribusiness was 0.326 for organic vegetables and 0.282 for dairy, suggesting that respondents are more aware of diversified vegetable farming. Regarding the indirect effect, the occupational factors of private employees and the self-employed had significant positive indirect effects on the willingness to start farm-related businesses via organic vegetable and dairy farming. These results suggest that the government needs to publicize the attractiveness of agriculture; create opportunities for people to experience it; provide financial support to women and middle-aged people, thus motivating them to start their own businesses; and create job opportunities in agribusinesses in modern Bangladesh.