The Influence of Social Networks on Smallholder Farming Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship is not only found in all fields including the field of smallholder farming but it is also instrumental in stimulation of economic growth through employment generation and poverty reduction in a country. Globally smallholder farming supports one third of humanity. In view of the importance of smallholder farming entrepreneurship, it is importance to establish the factors that influence it. The aim of this study was therefore to determine the influence of social networks on smallholder farming entrepreneurship. Data for the study was derived from secondary sources which included; books, previous researches and analyses by scholars as well as journal articles that are related to the subject. The study established that majority of smallholder farmers in the developing countries are in the pre- entrepreneurial stage and although they may be entrepreneurial in spirit, they have limited opportunities to farm as entrepreneurs and that networking is among the crucial factor that influence smallholder farming entrepreneurship. In conclusion, the study recommended for promotion and nurturing of entrepreneurial network skills among smallholder farmers by all relevant institutions in the countries including governments as a measure of enhancing entrepreneurship in agriculture sector. Further, governments should create the necessary legislative and regulatory frameworks that promte social networks platforms among smallholder farming entrepreneurs such as digital platforms among other platforms