Farmer entrepreneurs in China: an empirical investigation of their motivations, success factors, and challenges faced

Abstract Many questions remain unanswered regarding Chinese farmer entrepreneurs, who play a critical role in rural China. As there is limited research on this group, this study examines the farmer entrepreneurs’ motivations, success factors, and problems they encounter. Following in-depth interviews, a questionnaire survey was conducted in rural China. Data collected from 380 rural farmer entrepreneurs indicate that they are mainly motivated by physiological and safety needs to start up a business. They build their success on gaining available financial support, good marketing, and aggressive personal characteristics. They face formidable obstacles linked to external financing and improving their managerial capabilities. The findings suggest that access to financial resources is crucial to exploit opportunities the farmers have identified for the startup, growth, and success of entrepreneurial ventures. The findings present policy and managerial implications for stimulating rural entrepreneurship development programs, financing, education, and increasing the mobility of immigrants returning to their land to start entrepreneurial activities.