Introduction In Nigeria, the youth population is expanding rapidly, with increasing demand for sustainable livelihood opportunities as a result of unemployment. As agriculture is gradually transitioning from traditional practices to a more innovative form with an entrepreneurial approach, this study investigates the necessity and potential impact of establishing agro-incubation hubs within polytechnics, to foster awareness, idea generation, staff and students’ participation in agro-business and promote sustainable food security within the polytechnic campuses and host communities. Methodology The study was carried out at the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro and the population comprised staff, students and agro entrepreneurs in the host community. A mixed-methods research approach, incorporating quantitative data and qualitative insights, was used. Through a multi-stage sampling technique, 300 participants (students, teaching and non-teaching staff) and 30 agripreneurs from the host community were surveyed, complemented by interviews and focus group discussions. A structured Likert questionnaire and an interview guide were utilised for quantitative and qualitative data collection, respectively. Results and discussion Data were analysed with descriptive and inferential statistics as well as thematic analysis of the qualitative data. The findings reveal a high general awareness of agro-business benefits and a relatively low awareness of any agro-incubation hub within the polytechnic and the host community. The results show a significant relationship of perceived need for agro-incubation hub with staff and students’ participation in agro-businesses (R=0.685; Adj.R2=0.467) and that the establishment of agro-incubation hub will significantly strengthen agro-business awareness and feasibility (P=0.001<0.05) and also facilitate the participation of members of the Polytechnic and host communities in agro-business activities (P=0.003<0.05). The results point to the need for the establishment of agro-incubation in the polytechnic community, and that such a hub, when created, will create awareness on agro-businesses and engender the interest and participation of staff, students and other members of the polytechnic and its host communities in agro-businesses. Conclusion The study concludes that there is a strong need for the creation of an agro-incubation hub in the polytechnic, with emphasis on awareness creation towards achieving sustainable staff and students’ participation in agripreneurship and fostering food security within the polytechnic and the host community. Keywords: Agro-business, Agro-incubation hub, Agripreneurship
Iro-Idoro Charlotte Bose, Jimoh Tajudeen Adisa