Predictors of entrepreneurial intention among makapuno farmers: an MLR-ANN approach

Purpose This study examines the influence and relative importance of training needs, propensity to act, and apprenticeship and training on makapuno farmers' entrepreneurial intention. Design/methodology/approach Quantitative data were collected through a survey of makapuno farmers in Region IV-A, Philippines. Hypotheses were tested using multiple linear regression with jackknife and bootstrap procedures, complemented by artificial neural network (ANN) analysis to enhance the robustness and predictive assessment of the findings. Findings This study supported a holistic model with moderate explanatory power and predictive accuracy for the antecedents of makapuno farmers' entrepreneurial intention. Apprenticeship and training emerged as the strongest predictors, followed by propensity to act, both of which had a positive and significant influence on farmers' intention to engage in entrepreneurship and start their own businesses. However, training needs demonstrated limited empirical support, indicating that identifying training requirements alone does not necessarily translate into stronger entrepreneurial intentions among farmers. Research limitations/implications The findings have limited generalizability due to the relatively small sample and potentially unexamined cultural and contextual factors. Future studies should examine these relationships across broader national and cross-country contexts. Originality/value This study provides empirical evidence on the role of apprenticeship and training in shaping farmers' entrepreneurial intention and offers insights for researchers, policymakers, and development practitioners seeking to promote sustainable agricultural entrepreneurship.