The Effect of Strategic Management Practices on the Growth of Small and Medium Agri-Business Enterprise: A Case of Selected Farms in Lusaka and Chisamba

This study explored the effect of strategic management practices on the growth of small and medium agribusiness enterprises (SMAEs) in Lusaka and Chisamba, focusing on strategic planning, formulation, and implementation. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research combined both quantitative and qualitative data to assess how these practices influenced business performance and growth. The quantitative analysis showed that strategic planning significantly affected business growth, with a high mean score of 4.78, reflecting its positive influence on competitive positioning and market expansion. Regression results further supported this, indicating a strong correlation between strategic planning and growth outcomes (p-value of 0.000). Strategic formulation was equally critical, achieving a mean score of 4.94, with innovative ideas playing a key role in driving growth. Regression analysis confirmed the significant impact of strategic formulation on business performance (p-value of 0.000). Strategic implementation was also crucial, with a mean score of 4.84. However, anomalies in data regarding the effective utilization of resources suggested potential issues, warranting further investigation. Despite this, regression results showed that effective implementation significantly impacted growth and performance (mean scores of 4.76 and 4.74, p-value of 0.000). Qualitative insights, gathered through interviews and case studies, revealed that digital platforms, data analytics, collaborative models, and diversification strategies enhanced market access, operational efficiency, and productivity. Government support and strategic partnerships were vital for increasing competitiveness and capacity. In conclusion, the study underscored the importance of refining strategic management practices to optimize growth potential for SMAEs. It highlighted the need to address resource allocation variability, ensure accurate data reporting, and leverage digital tools and strategic partnerships to improve business performance. The research called for further investigation into the effective implementation of strategic practices and the potential challenges businesses faced in utilizing resources efficiently.