RURAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP: SUCCESS FACTORS AND CHALLENGES FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Authors

  • Jose Francisco dos Reis Neto Universidade Anhanguera Uniderp https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1152-1149
  • Celso Correia de Souza Universidade Anhanguera Uniderp
  • Denise Renata Pedrinho Universidade Anhanguera Uniderp https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8522-6126
  • Marcus Rodrigo de Faria Universidade Anhanguera Uniderp
  • Renata Costa da Silveira Santos Universidade Anhanguera Uniderp

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20873/2025_jul_20616

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze the relationships between entrepreneurial behavior, managerial skills, business knowledge, activity diversification, regional development, public policies, and business performance in the context of rural entrepreneurship in Mato Grosso do Sul. Using a structural equation modeling approach and multigroup analysis, the study assessed the influence of latent variables and the moderating effects of sociodemographic subgroups. The sample included 151 rural entrepreneurs, and data was collected through a structured questionnaire. The results indicated that entrepreneurial behavior, combined with managerial skills and business knowledge, has a significant positive impact on business performance. However, activity diversification alone did not show a significant relationship with performance, suggesting that its effectiveness depends on innovative management. Regional development was found to be a relevant factor for business success, reinforcing the importance of interaction between entrepreneurs and their communities. Public policies had a limited impact, especially among different subgroups, indicating the need for adjustments in these programs. The main limitation of the study was its focus on a single region, which may limit the generalizability of the results. The study provides academic insights on innovation and management in rural entrepreneurship and offers business implications related to the need for capacity-building and adaptation of public policies to improve rural business performance.

Author Biographies

Celso Correia de Souza, Universidade Anhanguera Uniderp

PhD in Electrical Engineering, from the State University of Campinas - UNICAMP, Campinas, SP, Brazil

Professor of the Master's and Doctorate Program in Sustainable Agribusiness

Denise Renata Pedrinho, Universidade Anhanguera Uniderp

PhD in Agronomy, Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, Jaboticabas, SP, Brazil

Professor and Researcher of the Master's and Doctorate Program in Sustainable Agribusiness

Marcus Rodrigo de Faria, Universidade Anhanguera Uniderp

Master in Agroindustrial Production and Management, from Anhanguera Uniderp University, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil.

Agribusiness project coordinator at Sebrae/MS

Renata Costa da Silveira Santos, Universidade Anhanguera Uniderp

Master's student in Sustainable Agribusiness, at Anhanguera Uniderp University, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil.

Published

2025-07-17

How to Cite

Reis Neto, J. F. dos, Souza, C. C. de, Pedrinho, D. R., Faria, M. R. de, & Santos, R. C. da S. (2025). RURAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP: SUCCESS FACTORS AND CHALLENGES FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT. DESAFIOS - Revista Interdisciplinar Da Universidade Federal Do Tocantins, 12(4), 1–23. https://doi.org/10.20873/2025_jul_20616