Assessing the Role of Technical Competency in Driving Business Growth among Pesticide Agro-Dealers in Lusaka, Zambia

Introduction: Agro-dealers are critical intermediaries in the agricultural value chain, linking farmers to suppliers of inputs such as pesticides, fertilizers, and seeds. Their technical competency determines the quality of advisory services, compliance with regulations, and ultimately, business growth. Competent dealers enhance farmer yields and loyalty, translating into higher sales volumes and sustainable enterprise performance. Purpose of the study: This study assessed the impact of technical competency on business growth among pesticide Agro dealers in Lusaka, Zambia. Research Design and Methodology: The study employed a mixed-methods study by obtaining quantitative information from 235 agro-dealers using structured questionnaires who were randomly selected and qualitative information from 30 agro-dealers through in-depth interviews who were purposively selected. SPSS v27 analyzed quantitative data; thematic analysis handled qualitative insights. Results: Key Findings: Quantitative results revealed that nearly half of the respondents (48.9%) were knowledgeable, while 32.2% were partially knowledgeable and 12.8% lacked adequate knowledge. Advisory services were positively associated with customer retention, with 56.2% of respondents agreeing or strongly agreeing that technical guidance increased repeat customers. Qualitative findings emphasized that product knowledge and advisory services-built trust, improved farmer outcomes, and sustained business growth. Technical competency in pest diagnosis, dosage calculation, and safety advice emerged as central to customer satisfaction and loyalty. The findings demonstrate that technical competency is not only a determinant of farmer productivity but also a strategic driver of agro-dealer competitiveness and sustainability. By strengthening advisory services, agro-dealers can differentiate themselves in the market, build long-term customer relationships, and expand their businesses. Conclusion: Technical competency significantly influences business growth among pesticide agro-dealers in Lusaka by enhancing customer trust, retention, and satisfaction. Agro-dealers who invest in knowledge and advisory capacity achieve measurable improvements in sales growth and market resilience. Targeted training programmes, certification standards, and continuous professional development are recommended to strengthen technical competency among agro-dealers.