Enhancing Rural Women's Entrepreneurship: The Role of Family Structure and Employment Factors within Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)

This study explores the role of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in empowering rural women entrepreneurs across the Chittoor, Kurnool, Ananthapur, and Tirupati districts of Andhra Pradesh. Focusing on a sample of 480 female producers, the research examines the impact of family structure, number of dependents, and employment dynamics within families on the entrepreneurial activities of these women. The study aims to understand how these socio-economic factors influence the effectiveness of FPOs in fostering economic empowerment and sustainability for rural women. Through quantitative analysis, the research highlights the correlation between family dynamics and the success of women entrepreneurs within FPOs, offering insights into the specific challenges and opportunities faced by these women in their entrepreneurial journey. The findings suggest that supportive family structures and a balanced number of dependents significantly enhance women’s participation and success in FPO-led initiatives. Additionally, the study provides recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders on strengthening FPO frameworks to better accommodate the needs of rural women entrepreneurs, thereby promoting inclusive growth and gender equity in rural economies.