Strategic Decisions and the Entrepreneurial Mindset in Sustaining Agribusiness SMEs in Emerging Economies: Unlocking Pathways to Resilience – A Narrative Review

Abstract

This narrative review examines how strategic decisions shaped by the entrepreneurial mindset sustain agribusiness SMEs in emerging economies, highlighting pathways to resilience. Recognising a critical knowledge gap in understanding the cognitive mechanisms that drive SME sustainability, the review is anchored in Entrepreneurial Cognition Theory and the Triple Bottom Line framework. The study synthesises empirical evidence from 2020 to 2025 using a qualitative research design with systematic data collection from peer-reviewed journals and grey literature. Findings indicate that entrepreneurial cognition guides strategic resource allocation, innovation adoption, market positioning, risk management, and the integration of social and environmental sustainability, collectively enhancing economic, social, and ecological resilience. Persistent challenges include structural constraints, unequal access to finance and technology, gender disparities, and sustainability trade-offs in niche markets. Policy and practical implications emphasise cooperative models, targeted innovation financing, market intelligence support, and incentives for sustainability-aligned practices. The review contributes empirically by consolidating evidence across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, offering comparative insights into how SMEs navigate complex and resource-constrained environments. Theoretically, it extends the application of Entrepreneurial Cognition Theory and the Triple Bottom Line framework to context-specific decision-making in agribusiness SMEs, demonstrating how cognitive processes underpin sustainable strategic actions. By linking entrepreneurial decision-making to resilience outcomes, the review provides actionable insights for policymakers, development partners, and SME owner-managers seeking to enhance competitiveness, long-term viability, and inclusive growth in emerging economies.