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Evaluating the Impact of FAMA Initiatives on the Empowerment of Women Agropreneurs within the Rural Transformation Centre of Kelantan: An Analytical Study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study evaluates the effectiveness of the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) programs in fostering entrepreneurship among retailers and wholesalers, so-called Agropreneurs, within the Rural Transformation Center (RTC) in Kelantan, Malaysia. Initiated as part of the Rural Transformation Initiative and aligned with the National Blue Ocean Strategy 4, these programs aim to enhance the entrepreneurial capabilities of rural residents through comprehensive training and support systems. The study underscores the need for continuous support and tailored programs that address the specific barriers faced by women in agriculture, aligning with previous research advocating for gender-focused interventions in agricultural development. Utilizing quantitative methods, data were gathered from structured questionnaires distributed to 75 retailers and 8 wholesalers, with analyses conducted using IBM SPSS version 22. Findings reveal a significant improvement in various managerial, financial, and marketing competencies among participants, with average capability scores increasing across all categories. Retailers, in particular, showed marked enhancements in financial management and marketing strategies, reflecting high levels of satisfaction with RTC services and their impact on local employment and business visibility. In contrast, wholesalers exhibited relatively modest improvements, albeit still indicating positive trends in their entrepreneurial activities. The study underscores the critical role of structured support mechanisms in promoting sustainable economic development and entrepreneurship in rural settings, emphasizing ongoing investment in community-driven solutions for equitable resource distribution and inclusive growth. These results contribute to the growing body of literature highlighting the importance of initiatives that empower local communities and foster economic resilience in rural areas.

Source: Information Management and Business Review

DOI: 10.22610/imbr.v17i2(i).4601

Authors: Khamisah Abd Manaf, Sakinah Mat Zin, Rosfatihah Che Mat, Nik Suhaidi Nik Othman, Mohamad Rifqy Roosdhani

Institutions: Universiti Teknologi MARA System, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Telekom Malaysia Berhad (Malaysia), Universitas Islam Nahdlatul Ulama Jepara

Language: English

Topic: Agricultural Development and Management

Subfield: General Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Decent work and economic growth, No poverty, Zero hunger, Gender equality, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4413416048

FWCI:

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