Agribusiness entrepreneurial intention among agricultural students in Bangladesh: an application of the theory of planned behaviour

Purpose This study explores the psychological and social factors affecting agribusiness entrepreneurial intention among agricultural students in Bangladesh. It is based on the theory of planned behaviour (TPB). Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional survey was administered to all final-year undergraduate students in the Faculties of Agriculture, Fisheries and Veterinary and Animal Sciences at one large public university, namely the University of Rajshahi, in the north-western part of Bangladesh, using a quantitative survey technique. The respondents were selected using proportionate random sampling, and the data were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling, with evaluation of effect sizes, predictive relevance, common method bias, endogeneity and unobserved heterogeneity. Findings Attitude was the most significant predictor of agribusiness entrepreneurial intention, followed by subjective norms, while perceived behavioural control exerted a positive but relatively weak and fragile influence. The model showed good reliability, validity and predictive relevance, with results not influenced by data subgroups, method bias or endogeneity. Research limitations/implications Because of the single-institution, cross-sectional design, causal inference and generalisation are limited. Originality/value This work further extends the TPB evidence base to an underexplored group of people: agricultural students in an agrarian economy from an emerging economy. It also provides one of the few methodologically rigorous evaluations of agribusiness entrepreneurial intention in Bangladesh.