The Development of Alpaca Entrepreneurship

Abstract

In recent decades, small rural entrepreneurs in Western Australia have contributed to the development and emergence of several rural industries, including wine and olives. Although still in their growing phase, these sectors have achieved some success and gained recognition both within and beyond the state’s borders. However, to date very little is known about other rural sectors and activities that, as the case of alpaca ownership/breeding are rela-tively new to Australia. Moreover, academic or industry studies discussing the objectives of alpaca breeders, or challenges they face within their sector is non-existent. Using face-to-face, but predominantly telephone interviews, this study investigates these aspects from a group of 32 Western Australian alpaca owners. The developmental stage of this emerging rural activity is identified in the findings, with 59.3 per cent of respondents breeding alpacas as a business or as part of a business. While there is general consensus that the scope for attaining commercial benefits in breeding and marketing alpacas exists, identifying marketing channels for both animals and their products (fibre) is a concern among respondents. Addressing this aspect appears critical for the future development of this nascent activity, particularly in view of increasing competition from more owners, alpacas and fibre.