The Role of Agricultural Mechanization Services Companies in Entrepreneurship Development in Khuzestan Province

Agricultural mechanization services companies are organizations that can contribute to the development of agricultural entrepreneurship. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of agricultural mechanization services companies in entrepreneurship development in Khuzestan province using cross-sectional data of 2018-2019. The research method is descriptive survey. The statistical population of this study included experts of agricultural mechanization services companies in Khuzestan province (N = 380). Finally, 220 individuals were selected using random sampling and Cochran formula. Cronbachchr('39')s alpha was used to determine the reliability of the questionnaire. The main research tool was a questionnaire whose reliability was confirmed using IBM SPSS Statistics 22.0 software and Cronbachchr('39')s alpha coefficient (0.86). Validity was also confirmed by consulting experts. Factor analysis and Friedman test were used to identify and rank the factors influencing the role of agricultural mechanization services companies in entrepreneurship development in Khuzestan province. The ranking of effective factors showed that the top priorities of government support for mechanization services companies, support of banks and financial institutions for agricultural mechanization services companies and reduction of banking and administrative barriers to receiving facilities were top priorities. Factor analysis also showed that 78.465% of the variance of factors affecting the role of agricultural mechanization services companies in entrepreneurship development in Khuzestan province are explained by three supportive, skill and structural factors. Friedman test also showed that among the three supportive, skillful and structural factors, the most important factor is supportive factor.