Research on World Agricultural Economy

Entrepreneurship and Rural Development in Morocco: A Comparative Analysis of Female and Male Entrepreneurs in the Fes-Meknes Region

El Houssain Bouichou

Department of Economic and Social Sciences Applied to Agriculture, Agronomic and Veterinary Institute Hassan II, P.O. Box 6202, Rabat 10101, Morocco; Economics and Sociology and Quality Regional Agricultural Research, P.O. Box 578, Meknes 50000, Morocco

Fatima Zahra Benbrahim

Research in Management Sciences of Organizations Laboratory ENCG‑Kenitra, Ibn Tofaïl University, Kenitra 14000, Morocco

Aziz Fadlaoui

Economics and Sociology and Quality Regional Agricultural Research, P.O. Box 578, Meknes 50000, Morocco

DOI: https://doi.org/10.36956/rwae.v5i4.1181

Received: 19 August 2024 | Revised: 2 September 2024 | Accepted: 18 September 2024 | Published Online: 12 November 2024

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Abstract

Rural entrepreneurship is a growing field of research, with a focus on understanding and promoting entrepreneurial activities in rural areas. It is important to examine the differences between male and female entrepreneurs in these rural settings. This study explores the relationship between entrepreneurship and rural development in Morocco, focusing on the differences between male and female entrepreneurs. The Fes-Meknes region conducted the research, surveying 200 individuals, including 120 male and 80 female entrepreneurs, using econometric analysis. The study aimed to compare male and female entrepreneurs' socioeconomic characteristics, business attributes, technological factors, and entrepreneurial behaviors, as well as their impact on rural development. Key variables included education, household income, family situation, financial resources, investment grants, business sector, revenue, legal structure, target market, digital technology usage, and management style. The results of the analysis showed significant differences between male and female entrepreneurs in various aspects, such as education level, household income, family situation, access to financial resources, business sector involvement, legal structure, years in operation, and target market preferences. Additionally, the study found that male entrepreneurs tended to utilize digital technologies more extensively and benefit more from entrepreneurship training compared to their female counterparts. However, female entrepreneurs demonstrated a higher propensity for contributing to rural development initiatives through their businesses, particularly in agribusiness-related activities. The study emphasizes the need for tailored policy interventions to address gender-specific entrepreneurship dynamics in rural areas, thereby promoting sustainable development and economic growth.

Keywords: Entrepreneurial Behavior; Entrepreneurship; Female Entrepreneurs; Gender Analysis; Morocco; Rural Development

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