Perceived entrepreneurial competency Needs of Rice processors in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State

Abstract

Globally, interest in entrepreneurship is on the increase because it is perceived as a tool that establishes employment, alleviates poverty, invent wealth, goods, and services. Similarly, rice processing is acknowledged as an activity that creates employment opportunities for rural populace. This study therefore assessed the entrepreneurial competency needs as perceived by rice processors in Kwara State. Data was generated from 160 respondents through three-stage sampling technique with the aid of interview schedule. The result shows that 53.8% of the respondents were female with mean age of 49 years, household size of 7 persons, and processing experience of 16 years, respectively. Majority (91.9%) of the respondents source their information from farmers group and the area where competency is needed are planning, prioritizing and organising rice processing tasks (=1.72), record keeping (=1.73) and mist polishing (=1.75). This study therefore recommends that the rice processors should be trained adequately on planning, prioritizing and organising of processing task as well as record keeping in rice processing and provision of required technologies for processing