Influence of Environmental Factors on Women Social Entrepreneurs in the Organic Food Industry: Case Analysis

Abstract

This article examines the environmental factors influencing women-led social entrepreneurship in the organic food sector of emergent economies, with a specific focus on India. Employing qualitative research methods, including in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and document analysis, the study explores five key variables: consumer taste and preference, technology and innovation, taxation and tariffs, political and policy frameworks, and entrepreneurial education. The findings reveal that although these external factors pose considerable challenges, they also present strategic opportunities for women entrepreneurs to balance profitability with social value creation. The analysis underscores the dual impact of taxation, the pivotal role of education and technology in ensuring certification and traceability, and the significance of enabling policy environments. By contextualising these findings within broader sustainability discourses, the study demonstrates how women-led organic food enterprises foster healthier lifestyles, sustainable livelihoods and inclusive economic growth. It concludes by recommending comparative analyses with male entrepreneurs, larger sample sizes and mixed-method research designs to enhance the generalisability of future findings.