Journal of Entrepreneurial Strategies in Agriculture

  The aim of this research is to investigate the level of entrepreneurship morale of agricultural students in Yasouj University. The statistical population of this study consisted of all freshman and senior agricultural students who were studying at Yasouj University in 2012- 2013 semesters . Accordingly, 207 students were selected by using stratified random sampling formula. Data collected through researcher-made questionnaire the validity of which was approved through experts' views and its r eliability was confirmed by Cronbach-Alpha coefficient. The findings of the research showed that 75.4% of students were at average level of entrepreneurship morale. Also the result indicated that there was no significant difference between male and female students in their level of entrepreneurship morale. The comparing means of characteristics of entrepreneurship (t-test) revealed that there was significant difference between male and female students in their level of ambiguity tolerance. In addition, there was no significant difference between freshman and senior students and students of different fields in terms of characteristics of entrepreneurship morale. This finding suggests that the university trainings could not lead to an increase of entrepreneurial morale in students. Therefore, it is suggested that more communication established among the university and centers of entrepreneurship and nurture of the entrepreneurial morale should be considered during the design and presentation of educational programs. Furthermore, it should be more attentive to the practical aspects of lessons as well as the theoretical materials content in accordance with what there is in the facts and action.

  The Unemployment of agricultural graduates has been one of the most important challenges of higher education systems in recent years, and has had the negative effects on students’ learning and motivation. But it seems that according to the capacity of the agricultural sector in Iran, this problem can be solved by enhancing students’ entrepreneurship empowerment. Thus, the main purpose of the present study was to identify the factors affecting entrepreneurship empowerment and employment of students after graduation that implemented by survey method. The statistical population of the study was the senior students at Yasouj University (160 person), that 110 of them selected by proportional stratified random sampling. Data were gathered using questionnaires. The face validity and reliability of the questionnaire was confirmed by experts and pilot study, and measuring Cronbach’s alpha (0.89 - 0.97). The results of the study showed that the majority of students believed, individual, socio-cultural and educational factors respectively have the greatest effect on students' entrepreneurial skills. The most important individual factors includes self-efficacy beliefs and creativity the most important socio-cultural factors includes community’s economic issues and the attractiveness of entrepreneurship career and the most important educational factors includes the existence of competitive environment in university and the creative and dynamic environment in dorms. The results showed that the respondents have more potential in social relations, creativity, and leadership and communication skills, respectively. Finally, it is recommended some suggestions for developing the entrepreneurship empowerment.