Introduction Statistics have shown a widening income gap between rural and urban areas in the developing world, which encourages a renewed focus on strategies that spur productivity and growth in the rural economy.  The rural economy encompasses small businesses, mainly agricultural-based and large enterprises, both domestic and multinational (Shapira, 1995, pp16). These large enterprises play a vital role in the creation of employment either directly or indirectly. They also contribute to the development of […]