Research on the Configuration Factors and Paths Affecting the Entrepreneurial Performance of Tea Farmers in Hunan Province

Abstract In recent years, the entrepreneurial activities of tea farmers have experienced rapid development, driven by the rural revitalization strategy. In this study, the fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) method was employed to analyze the key factors and configurations influencing the entrepreneurial performance of tea farmers in the central and western regions of Hunan Province. The findings reveal that no single variable is necessary for either high or non-high entrepreneurial performance. High entrepreneurial performance is achieved through three distinct pathways: willingness-opportunity-driven, willingness-team-opportunity-driven, and team-opportunity-driven. Conversely, non-high entrepreneurial performance is associated with two unfavorable pathways: willingness-opportunity-resource inhibition and opportunity-resource inhibition. It is recommended that tea farmer entrepreneurs proactively enhance their opportunity identification abilities and actively align with national policies. Additionally, the government should formulate and implement talent attraction policies, ensure effective policy execution, create a supportive entrepreneurial environment for tea farmers, and establish relevant institutions to improve their knowledge and skills.