Publication Details
Abstract
This study investigates the determinants of micro and small agribusiness performance in Anambra State, Nigeria, using a sample of 348 respondents drawn from agribusiness owners across the state. Guided by the Resource-Based View (RBV) theory, the research identifies factors influencing agribusiness performance, including access to finance, market connectivity, technology adoption, labour productivity, input availability, business management skills, policy environment, infrastructure, environmental conditions, cooperative membership, extension services, cultural norms, and insurance availability. Data were analyzed using simple percentages for demographic profiling, mean and standard deviation for descriptive analysis of objectives, and factor analysis to test hypotheses. Preliminary findings reveal that access to finance (mean = 4.32, SD = 0.87), market connectivity (mean = 4.21, SD = 0.91), and technology adoption (mean = 4.15, SD = 0.84) are the most significant determinants of performance. Factor analysis explains 67.3% of the variance in agribusiness performance, with "financial resources" emerging as the most impactful factor (factor loading = 0.78). Hypothesis testing indicates a significant positive relationship between these determinants and business performance (p < 0.05). The study concludes that strengthening financial accessibility, improving market infrastructure, and promoting technology adoption are critical to enhancing agribusiness productivity. It recommends targeted policies to increase financial inclusion, invest in rural market facilities, and provide subsidized modern farming equipment. These findings have significant implications for economic growth, highlighting the role of agribusiness in reducing unemployment, improving food security, and fostering rural development.