Exploring the Motivational Drivers of Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Among Indonesian Muslim Students

¹ Study Program of Agribusiness, Faculty of Agriculture and Fisheries, Universitas Muhammadiyah Purwokerto, Indonesia
² Study Program of Agribusiness, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Jenderal Soedirman, Indonesia
³ Master Program of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Tribhuwana Tunggadewi, Indonesia
⁴ Study Program of Accounting, Faculty of Economics, Universidade Da Paz, Timor-Leste
⁵ Study Program of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Universitas Muhammadiyah Purwokerto, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: fadhiladi@ump.ac.id

Abstract

Agricultural sector continues to be a vital pillar of Indonesia’s economy. Encouraging youth, especially from Muslim communities, to engage in agribusiness entrepreneurship is increasingly crucial for sustainable rural development. However, empirical research that underlying motivational factors influencing this demographic remain. This study investigates the motivational factors that drive Indonesian Muslim students to pursue in agribusiness entrepreneurship. Data were purposively collected from 120 agribusiness students at Universitas Muhammadiyah Purwokerto, a leading Islamic university in Indonesia, using structured questionnaires rated on a Likert scale. Multiple linear regression analysis was employed to examine the relationships between the variables. The used instrument was confirmed to be valid and reliable. The results indicate that entrepreneurial experience, skills, and peer environment significantly and positively influence students' motivation to become agribusiness entrepreneurs. In contrast, family background does not have a significant effect. Collectively, all variables have a simultaneous influence on entrepreneurial motivation. These findings underscore the importance of addressing various motivational needs in developing entrepreneurship education and support programs targeted at Muslim youth. The study also offers practical implications for Islamic universities, policymakers, and rural development agencies to design faith-informed, skill-based interventions that empower Muslim students to contribute to food security and economic resilience in rural communities.