Rural Entrepreneurship as Alternative Sources of Earnings: An Assessment

Abstract

The article conducts a need assessment research to see if local resources are sufficient to launch new entrepreneurial operations in the study area. People's perceptions and willingness to participate in alternative livelihood activities will also be studied. Case studies of five rural West Bengal districts are presented in this paper. The study is descriptive and uses a structured questionnaire to collect data from respondents. The study found that skill, knowledge, and training gaps hinder entrepreneurial growth in the studied area, notwithstanding potential. The study also found that women group members are more participatory but do not have enough exposure to alternative livelihoods. Government and non-government sector participation is crucial to implement stakeholder capacity. Skills need improvement, but the study area lacks it. Government of India has long wanted to boost rural entrepreneurship, but it isn't happening. Despite various schemes, none have met people's needs.