Formation of Agricluster on the Priority of Including Small Farms: Case From Egypt ^∗

Abstract

Micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprise (MSME) sectors have a strong influence on the Egyptian economy. Yet, effective formulation of integrated cluster along the value chain can lead MSMEs to become international actors in export-oriented activities. An Agro-Industrial Park is an integrated cluster taking into consideration synergetic agglomeration of agribusiness MSMEs assisting in decreasing deprivation of rural territories. This research aims to present the needs of agriculture MSMEs in Egypt, to describe challenges faced by this specific sector, and to set guidelines for a business model integrating small farmers and producers into an integrated agribusiness cluster. The researcher followed purposive/nonprobability sampling technique of 100 MSMEs research participants. A combination of questionnaires and open-ended interviews were the research instruments of choice along with secondary data. This research focused on agribusiness only and specifically MSMEs in Egypt. There is no agribusiness-integrated cluster in Egypt, even though the agricultural land increased significantly in the past 5 years, leading us to believe that it is imperative to develop agribusiness-integrated clusters in the coming few years.

Citation

El Kayaly, D. (2023), "Formation of Agricluster on the Priority of Including Small Farms: Case From Egypt ^∗ ", El Ebrashi, R., Hattab, H., Hassan, R.S. and Bouchra, N.H. (Ed.) Industry Clusters and Innovation in the Arab World, Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 281-308. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-80262-871-520231013