The findings indicate that the government should actively play its pivotal role in (i) skill training since most rural businesses are labour intensive which involve skills and creativity; (ii) strengthening business competencies through more rigorous training; (iii) investment in infrastructure and facilities for a conducive local business environment; and (iv) effective market support services in terms of product promotion, market accessibility and networking.
Despite the national setting of this study, the findings should prove useful for parties involved in rural entrepreneurial development elsewhere. Firstly, in terms of training and education this study reveals what rural entrepreneurs need to know to succeed in business. The ODOI entrepreneurs agreed that technical and business skills including marketing, accounting, management and communication skills are needed. This information should prove useful for governments to develop training programmes for emerging rural entrepreneurs. The fact that most of the rural entrepreneurs are less educated in the above areas implies that long run development of entrepreneurial skills among students should be given more emphasis. An effective