A Mulitcase Study of African Entrepreneurs' Perceptions Ten Years After a US Fellowship Exchange Program

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Sunday 11:45 am
  In Roundtable Session: Educational Uncertainty, Liminal Space and Black Futures

Abstract

This longitudinal, multicultural study assessed the impacts of an entrepreneurial fellowship exchange purposely designed for agripreneurial fellows from Sub Saharan Africa at [University]. Grounded in Ajzen's theory of planned behavior, our multicase study examined the lived experiences and future-making of sixteen entrepreneurs through semi-structured Zoom interviews. Five themes emerged—empowerment, intentional entrepreneurial ambition, youth and farmer development, strategic agility, and ongoing support needs. Achievements included the fellows earning 16 advanced degrees and certifications, leading 46 entrepreneurial ventures/organizations, and founding a Vocational Agricultural Institute. Analysis revealed the value of pre-fellowship mentoring, global marketing, innovative funding and collaborations. All participants credited the fellowship with enhancing their professional skills and empowering others. Our groundwork informs future post-fellowship engagement and global entrepreneurial training.

Authors

• Lisa K. Taylor, University of Nevada, Reno

• Jessica Gallo, University of Nevada - Reno

• Joyce Nabisaalu, University of North Carolina - Greensboro