International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
Rajat Kumar Nath and Vaishnavi Sakaray

abstract
This study examines the evolution of research on agribusiness incubation through a bibliometric analysis aimed at mapping its conceptual structure, thematic progression, and emerging research areas. Using data visualization tools such as VOSviewer, three types of maps—co-occurrence, overlay, and density visualizations—were generated to explore patterns in keyword relationships and temporal trends. The co-occurrence network revealed three major thematic clusters: entrepreneurship and incubation ecosystems, policy and growth linkages, and regional development with a focus on youth empowerment. The overlay visualization demonstrated a temporal shift from early studies on agricultural policy and food security (2020-2021) to more recent emphases on agripreneurship, skill development, and enterprise incubation (2022-2023). The density map identified growth, enterprise, and support as central themes, while topics such as sustainability, gender inclusion, and resilience remain underexplored. Overall, the findings suggest that agribusiness incubation research has evolved from policy-oriented discussions to enterprise-centered, innovation-driven perspectives. However, gaps persist in comparative regional analyses, long-term impact assessment, and integration of sustainability frameworks. The study recommends strengthening policies that link incubation centers with research, finance, and industry, fostering inclusive participation, and promoting empirical evaluations to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of agribusiness incubation ecosystems.