Introduction This study examines the relationship between agripreneurship awareness and students’ readiness for engagement in agricultural value chain businesses, with a focus on food security enhancement. Methodology Using a survey research design with the aid of a structured questionnaire, the study was carried out at the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, and the population comprised all the 2639 HND final year students of the Institution, out of which 335 were selected through a multi-stage sampling technique. Descriptive and inferential statistics involving correlation and regression were used for data analysis. Results and discussion The results indicated a significant relationship between agripreneurship awareness and students’ perceived readiness for engagement in agricultural value chain businesses after graduation. This finding suggests that as students become more aware of agripreneurship opportunities, they are more likely to feel equipped and motivated to pursue entrepreneurial ventures within the agricultural sector. This aligns with previous studies that emphasise the role of awareness and exposure in shaping entrepreneurial intentions among youth. Increased awareness may stem from formal education, participation in agripreneurship programs, or access to relevant information and role models in the agricultural industry. When students are informed about the diverse opportunities within the agricultural value chain, from production and processing to marketing and distribution, they are more likely to recognize viable career paths and develop the confidence needed to explore them. Moreover, the significance of this relationship highlights the importance of emphasising agripreneurship content in the entrepreneurship education of tertiary institutions’ curricula. Such focus-driven emphasis could foster early interest and better prepare students with the practical skills and mindset required for successful participation in agri-based enterprises. The findings support the notion that awareness is not merely a passive state but an active enabler of entrepreneurial readiness and intent. Conclusion In conclusion, agripreneurship-tailored awareness is essentially needed to stimulate prospective graduates’ interest and readiness for engagement and participation in agricultural value chain businesses and activities that are necessary for achieving economic sustenance after graduation and food security for all. The study recommends, among others, that the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro and other tertiary institutions should intensify their agripreneurship drive to stimulate agripreneurship awareness among the students and steer their interest in agro-related businesses, while the National Board for Technical Education should consider a review of the Polytechnic curriculum to feature agripreneurship at all levels. Keywords: Agripreneurship, Food Security, Tertiary Institution, Students’ Participation, Agricultural Value Chain Business
Jimoh Tajudeen A., Jolaade Isaac A., Okeke Gloria I.