EMPOWERING WOMEN IN GREEN ENTERPRISES: THE IMPACT OF MSP ON SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHALLENGES

Abstract

Purpose: Green enterprises in agriculture are key catalysts of sustainable development by diminishing environmental challenges, conserving biodiversity and securing the food supply. Research Problem: The potential of MSP to encourage women entrepreneurs in green farming is underexplored while it is designed to reduce financial uncertainties of agriculture. Additionally, socio-economic barriers at the systemic level are hindering the active involvement of women in green enterprises. The purpose of this study is to fill these gaps through its investigation into the link between MSP awareness, socio-economic difficulties, and women’s promotion of sustainable agriculture on the entrepreneurial level. Methodology: A quantitative cross sectional design is adopted, where 150 women engaged in agriculture are surveyed across a range of socio economic regions. Demographic diversity variables of age, education, and income were ensured by use of stratified random sampling. Data on demographic profiles, MSP awareness, socio economic barriers and perceptions regarding MSProle in fostering entrepreneurship was obtained through a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, regression analysis, and hypothesis testing were used using SPSS and R in order to extract the significant insights from them. Key Findings: It furthermore show that MSP awareness significantly increases women participation in green farming enterprise (β = 0.52, p<0.001). Implicit in the benefits of MSP were reduced financial uncertainties and women understood these benefits more and were thus more willing to adopt sustainable practices. Financial constraints (-0.38, p = 0.002), lower education (- 0.25, p = 0.010) were the main barriers to entrepreneurial engagement. Socio-cultural norms and restricted land ownership further exacerbated this challenge. A mean Likert score of 4.0 indicated that socio-cultural barriers were a pervasive challenge that needed to have institutional and community based support systems. Microfinance, technical training and a collective platform for women to share problems were offered through self help groups (SHGs) which have been a great success in addressing these barriers. Green enterprises had greater participation, especially among women aged 26–40 and higher education levels. They are important targets of policy intervention and capacity building programs. Conclusion: The findings in this research reveal the potential for women to be drivers of sustainable agricultural practice with green enterprises. Addressing socio economic barriers and enhancing MSP use, governments and stakeholders can promote and enable women to drive their transition to environmentally sustainable and economically resilient agricultural systems. The impact of MSP and region specific dynamics should be evaluated in longitudinal studies in order to design more effective policy interventions for the future.