Factors Influencing the Success of Women Entrepreneurship in Rural Areas in Zimbabwe: A Case Study of Mudzi Rural District in Mashonaland East province

While women entrepreneurs in rural Zimbabwe demonstrably contribute to local economies, a significant proportion of their ventures face sustainability challenges.The specific factors that either promote or impede the success of these women-led enterprises in Mudzi Rural District in Mashonaland East province in Zimbabwe were not comprehensively understood.The current study thus aimed to analyse both the internal and external factors that influence the success of rural women entrepreneurs' ventures with a view to developing an entrepreneurship model tailored for rural women entrepreneurs.This research employed qualitative data collection techniques to provide a comprehensive understanding of the role of women entrepreneurship in accelerating rural development in Mudzi Rural District.A sample size of 150 women entrepreneurs was targeted for the qualitative survey and with 10 key informants.The study therefore, identified five key internal factors significantly influencing the success of rural women entrepreneurs' ventures such as entrepreneurial skills, access to finance, self-efficacy, risk-taking propensity, and innovation.Five external factors were also identified as significantly impacting the success of rural women entrepreneurs that is access to markets, supportive policies and regulations, social and cultural norms, infrastructure, and access to information and networks.The research proposed an iterative and adaptive model, recognising that the specific needs and challenges of rural women entrepreneurs may evolve.It emphasises collaboration among various stakeholders, including government agencies, Non-Governmental Organisations, financial institutions, and community leaders in order to create a synergistic ecosystem that supports the sustainable growth of women-led enterprises in Mudzi Rural District and beyond.