Entrepreneurial ecosystems in fragile agrarian contexts: the role of incubation support in the intention–pre-start-up behaviour link

Purpose This study aims to examine how entrepreneurial intention (EI), entrepreneurial incubation resources (EIR) and their interaction shape pre-start-up behaviour among rural youth in fragile socio-economic ecosystems. By analysing the case of Jammu & Kashmir, India, the research explores how incubation support strengthens the conversion of entrepreneurial intention into concrete entrepreneurial action, particularly in agrarian contexts. Design/methodology/approach A sequential explanatory mixed-methods design was employed. Quantitative data were collected from 312 rural youth enrolled in incubation programs and analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). This was followed by qualitative interviews with 15 rural youth entrepreneurs to contextualize and deepen the quantitative findings. Findings Entrepreneurial intention significantly predicts pre-start-up behaviour (ß = 0.41), yet intention alone is insufficient. Entrepreneurial incubation resources exert both direct (ß = 0.33) and moderating (ß = 0.17, p < 0.05) effects on PSB, strengthening the conversion of intention into action. The findings validate the entrepreneurial ecosystem theory by showing that motivation and ecosystem enablers jointly drive early-stage entrepreneurial behaviour. Qualitative insights confirm that EIRs – especially agri-focused incubation – enhance youth confidence, access and legitimacy in pursuing agripreneurship. Research limitations/implications The cross-sectional design limits causal inference. Future longitudinal studies could explore the evolution of incubation engagement and its long-term outcomes. The sample, while rural and diverse, was limited to one region, and findings may not generalize to other contexts without further validation. Practical implications The study highlights the importance of strengthening rural incubation ecosystems. Tailored incubation models – especially those supporting agripreneurship – can close the intention–action gap, promote youth-led ventures and stimulate inclusive rural development. Policymakers and incubator managers must design context-sensitive support structures that address local constraints and sectoral needs. Originality/value This study advances entrepreneurial intention research by embedding it within the entrepreneurial ecosystem theory, offering a novel perspective on how incubation resources moderate the intention–behaviour link. It uniquely extends this discourse to fragile, rural and agrarian contexts – an area largely overlooked in mainstream entrepreneurship literature. By combining micro-level motivational constructs with meso-level ecosystem enablers through a rigorous mixed-methods design, the study contributes both theoretical depth and empirical relevance to rural entrepreneurship scholarship.