Promoting Tunisian agri-food start-up. A study on the self-efficacy of aspiring entrepreneurs

In 2011, Tunisia went through a revolution which transformed its modern history. Currently, the country is experiencing a moment of transition in which it faces problems, both on a social and economic level. The region Kroumerie-Mogods, in the northwest, includes the three Governorates of Jendouba, Beja and Bizerte, is strongly affected by past economic policies. Despite having great potential in terms of both natural resources and economic opportunities, the local population appears to be among the poorest in the country, suffering from high level of unemployment, widespread poverty and substantial inequalities. In this context, a Development Cooperation project was implemented with the aim of creating new employment opportunities, especially for young people and women, through the enhancement of the territory and its agricultural products with the support of new entrepreneurial initiatives. Principal Component Analysis and Logit model were used to analyse the Self-Efficacy (SE) of young aspiring entrepreneurs and to evaluate its effects on the promotion of personal entrepreneurial projects. The study shows that past involvement in business key activities, as commercial experiences, social commitments and sustainable waste management, represent a decisive element for the promotion of personal business projects in agri-food sector.