Identifying Barriers to Rural Entrepreneurship Development in Afghanistan (A Case Study: Farah Province)

Abstract

 Rural entrepreneurship is considered one of the fundamental strategies for poverty reduction, job creation, and achieving sustainable development in rural communities of developing countries. Afghanistan, despite significant potential in agriculture, natural resources, and a young workforce, still faces extensive challenges in developing entrepreneurship in rural areas. This research aims to identify the main obstacles to entrepreneurship development in Farah Province. The research method was qualitative, based on semistructured interviews conducted with 130 local entrepreneurs, tribal elders, government officials, students, teachers, and other informed individuals. Samples were selected purposefully, and data analysis was carried out using the qualitative content analysis method. The research findings indicate that rural entrepreneurship development in Farah Province faces a range of structural, economic, social, and institutional barriers. The most important of these obstacles include: lack of security and political stability, limited access to financial resources, severe weakness in infrastructure, absence of a clear support system, low levels of education and skills, cultural and social limitations, lack of stable markets, absence of entrepreneurship development centers, and legal and regulatory challenges. These obstacles are interconnected and have led to a reduction in motivation, opportunities, and economic growth capacity in rural communities. Based on the findings, the research emphasizes the necessity of adopting a multidimensional and coordinated approach among governmental, local, and private institutions to empower rural entrepreneurs. Establishing support centers, improving access to funding, reforming regulations, and strengthening the culture of entrepreneurship are among the key solutions proposed by this study.