Study of Agricultural Entrepreneurship Competencies on Food Security of Rural Households in Mahidasht district of Kermanshah province

The main purpose of this study was to investigate agricultural entrepreneurship competencies on food security of rural households in Mahidasht district, Kermanshah province.

The research is of applied research type and the data collection method is non-experimental and cross-sectional research. The statistical population of the present study is 890 rural households (heads) in Mahidasht district and the sample size has been calculated using the Cochran's formula equal to 268 people. Data collection tool was a questionnaire consisting of 9 factors and 42 items and the dependent variable consisted of 5 factors of 24 items, the reliability of which was confirmed by calculating the Cronbach's alpha coefficient of dependent and independent variables. To investigate the causal relationship between variables affecting food security (dependent variable), multiple regression method was used stepwise.

Regression results showed that the risk-taking variable (beta coefficient 0.445); Opportunity identification (beta coefficient 0.347) and variable (beta coefficient 0.144) had the greatest impact on food security.

In this regard, it was suggested that the design of a systematic and purposeful system, monitoring and evaluation in order to implement consumption reform programs and investment in the agricultural sector with the necessary tools to establish food security is absolutely necessary.