The objective of this research was to examine the moderating effect of entrepreneurial orientation on the relationship between entrepreneurial competencies and performance of agro-based SMEs in Nigeria. The study used questionnaires gathered from 230 managers of agro-based firms in Lagos state Nigeria. Data analysis was carried out using hierarchical multiple regression to show relationships between the variables. Findings suggest that entrepreneurial competencies have a direct influence on performance of Agro-based SMEs. More so, the statistical result indicates that innovativeness, proactiveness and autonomy are the three entrepreneurial orientations that moderate the relationship between entrepreneurial competencies and performance of the firms.

The objective of this research was to examine the moderating effect of entrepreneurial orientation on the relationship between entrepreneurial competencies and performance of agro-based SMEs in Nigeria. The study used questionnaires gathered from 230 managers of agro-based firms in Lagos state Nigeria. Data analysis was carried out using hierarchical multiple regression to show relationships between the variables. Findings suggest that entrepreneurial competencies have a direct influence on performance of Agro-based SMEs. More so, the statistical result indicates that innovativeness, proactiveness and autonomy are the three entrepreneurial orientations that moderate the relationship between entrepreneurial competencies and performance of the firms.

The focus of this study was to examine the moderating effects of entrepreneurs’ demographic characteristics on strategic entrepreneurial orientation and competitiveness of SMEs. The theoretical underpinning of the study was based on existing literature to reflect the moderating effects of entrepreneurs’ demographic characteristics on strategic entrepreneurial orientation and competitiveness of SMEs. The study adopted quantitative approach with a descriptive research design to describe the moderating effects of entrepreneurs’ demographic characteristics on the relationship between strategic entrepreneurial orientation and competitiveness of SMEs based on the objective of the study. Data was gathered from 159 owners/managers of micro, small and medium agro-based firms that were randomly selected and surveyed through the use of structured questionnaire. Hierarchical multiple regression was adopted in analysing the research instrument. The findings from the statistical analysis suggest that analysis, future oriented strategies, proactive initiatives, risk-taking attitudes, defensive strategies over their niche and ensuring integration of their various functional units are significant strategic entrepreneurial orientations that enhance SMEs competitiveness Keywords: Strategic Entrepreneurial Orientation, Entrepreneurs’ Demographic Characteristics, Competitiveness, SMEs, Entrepreneurship Education in SMEs.