Exploring Entrepreneurial Behaviour among Rural Women in Dairy Cooperatives
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48165/IJEE.2026.623RN03Keywords:
Women dairy cooperatives, Entrepreneurial traits, Beneficiaries, Rural women, Extension educationAbstract
The study was conducted in 2025 in the Begusarai and Samastipur districts of Bihar to examine the socio-economic profile and entrepreneurial traits of beneficiaries and non beneficiaries of women’s dairy cooperatives. A descriptive research design was adopted, and a total of 260 respondents, comprising 200 beneficiaries and 60 non-beneficiaries, were selected through a multistage sampling procedure. Data were collected using a structured interview schedule and analysed using frequency, percentage and the chi-square test. The findings revealed that beneficiaries were relatively better placed in terms of socio-economic characteristics and exhibited higher levels of social participation and access to information sources. A majority of beneficiaries (70.50%) were found to possess medium entrepreneurial traits, followed by high level (20.50%), whereas most non beneficiaries (61.67%) fell under the low category. The chi-square analysis indicated a significant association between beneficiary status and entrepreneurial traits. The study concludes that participation in women’s dairy cooperatives plays a crucial role in enhancing entrepreneurial behaviour, access to information and overall socio-economic development of rural women. Strengthening extension services and promoting wider participation in cooperative activities can further improve entrepreneurial capabilities and livelihood opportunities.
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