Abstract
This study evaluates the effectiveness of the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) programs in fostering entrepreneurship among retailers and wholesalers, so-called Agropreneurs, within the Rural Transformation Center (RTC) in Kelantan, Malaysia. Initiated as part of the Rural Transformation Initiative and aligned with the National Blue Ocean Strategy 4, these programs aim to enhance the entrepreneurial capabilities of rural residents through comprehensive training and support systems. The study underscores the need for continuous support and tailored programs that address the specific barriers faced by women in agriculture, aligning with previous research advocating for gender-focused interventions in agricultural development. Utilizing quantitative methods, data were gathered from structured questionnaires distributed to 75 retailers and 8 wholesalers, with analyses conducted using IBM SPSS version 22. Findings reveal a significant improvement in various managerial, financial, and marketing competencies among participants, with average capability scores increasing across all categories. Retailers, in particular, showed marked enhancements in financial management and marketing strategies, reflecting high levels of satisfaction with RTC services and their impact on local employment and business visibility. In contrast, wholesalers exhibited relatively modest improvements, albeit still indicating positive trends in their entrepreneurial activities. The study underscores the critical role of structured support mechanisms in promoting sustainable economic development and entrepreneurship in rural settings, emphasizing ongoing investment in community-driven solutions for equitable resource distribution and inclusive growth. These results contribute to the growing body of literature highlighting the importance of initiatives that empower local communities and foster economic resilience in rural areas.
Keywords
- FAMA Search this journal for FAMA (opens in a new tab)
- RTC Search this journal for RTC (opens in a new tab)
- Women Agropreneurs Search this journal for Women Agropreneurs (opens in a new tab)
- Business Search this journal for Business (opens in a new tab)
- Agriculture Search this journal for Agriculture (opens in a new tab)
- Effectiveness Search this journal for Effectiveness (opens in a new tab)
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Copyright (c) 2025 Khamisah Abd Manaf, Sakinah Mat Zin, Rosfatihah Che Mat, Nik Suhaidi Nik Othman, Mohamad Rifqy Roosdhani (Author)

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Keywords
- FAMA Search this journal for FAMA (opens in a new tab)
- RTC Search this journal for RTC (opens in a new tab)
- Women Agropreneurs Search this journal for Women Agropreneurs (opens in a new tab)
- Business Search this journal for Business (opens in a new tab)
- Agriculture Search this journal for Agriculture (opens in a new tab)
- Effectiveness Search this journal for Effectiveness (opens in a new tab)
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Vol. 17 No. 2(I)S (2025)
AI in Audit, Workplace Safety & Digital Consumer Society
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