Journal of Entrepreneurial Strategies in Agriculture

  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.