Collective action, entrepreneurial orientation and performance among African indigenous vegetables producers in Kenya

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the interplay between collective action, entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and performance, with a focus on the mediating role of farmer entrepreneurial orientation in emerging value chains in the context of a lower-middle income economy. The paper also analyses correlates of collective action among vegetable producers. Design/methodology/approach The study uses partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) based on cross-section data collected from 445 African indigenous vegetables (AIV) farmers in rural Kenya through face-to-face interviews. Findings Results indicate that farmer-collective action has a positive effect on entrepreneurial orientation. The findings show no direct association between farmer collective action and performance. However, entrepreneurial orientation has a mediating effect on the association between collective action and performance. Research limitations/implications One limitation of this study is the cross-sectional and static nature of the data, which limits assessment of changes over time. Originality/value The link between collective action and entrepreneurial orientation has been explored, mainly focusing on major industrial crops. The potentially mediating effect of entrepreneurial orientation on the association between collective action and performance has not been previously researched. The mediating role of EO on the relationship between collective action and performance practically denotes the relevance of innovativeness, proactiveness and risk-taking propensity in collective action to harness the maximum benefits of collective action.