A critical comparative analysis between Lower Saxony and Lanarkshire on refugee entrepreneurs in the agri-good sector: Towards economic development in rural regions and socio-economic inclusion

The influx of refugees remains topical for many governments, especially in Europe. Following the Russia-Ukraine war leading to a projected surge in future inflows, many European countries are taking steps geared towards enhancing refugee integration. Entrepreneurship in the agri-food industry presents a credible and sustainable way to refugee labor participation and social
integration while ensuring economic and rural development. Against this backdrop, our study seeks to examine the motivations, determinants, and challenges of tenured refugees in participating in entrepreneurship activities within the agri-food chain. We aim to explore the motivations and
challenges faced at various stages of the value chain and business cycle. We will leverage on a primary survey conducted in Lower Saxony and Lanarkshire on tenured refugees. We intend to also analyze effects of institutional policies and social networks in influencing labor participation of refugees in the agri-food sector using secondary data sources.