Entrepreneurial Orientation and Performance of Poultry Farmers in Benue State, Nigeria

Poultry farming constitutes a vital segment of the agricultural sector in Benue State, Nigeria. It plays a significant role in ensuring food security, generating employment opportunities, and contributing to the state's economic diversification. The main objective of this study was to examine the effect of entrepreneurial orientation on the performance of poultry farmers in Benue State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional research design was adopted. The population comprised 78,286 poultry farmers in Benue State, and a sample size of 458 was determined using Krejcie and Morgan (1970) sample formula. A structured questionnaire was adapted and administered to 458 respondents, and 449 questionnaires were returned, representing a 98% response rate. A homogeneous purposive sampling technique was used. Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed as the technique for data analysis. The study found that autonomy had a positive and significant effect on the performance of poultry farmers, while competitive aggressiveness had a negative but significant effect. Poultry farmers should empower farm workers with specific responsibilities and the authority to make decisions within their domains. They should also regularly monitor local market prices for poultry products (meat and eggs), feed costs, and competitor activities within Benue State and its environs.