SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY OF BUSINESS AS THE BASIS OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF AGRICULTURAL REGIONS OF UKRAINE

Abstract

The paper examines the role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) as a fundamental driver of sustainable development in Ukraine's agricultural regions. Given Ukraine’s rich natural resources and its global standing as a leading agricultural exporter, the paper emphasises that the agrarian sector plays a crucial role in the country’s economic survival, particularly during wartime. The authors argue that the agricultural sector ensures food security and serves as a significant employer, contributing to the preservation and development of rural communities. However, the situation in many rural areas remains challenging, as they have long faced unemployment, low wages, and a lack of infrastructure, which deter young professionals from living and working in these regions. The study highlights that business initiatives within CSR projects can help mitigate these issues. Such projects can create new jobs, invest in local infrastructure (schools, hospitals, roads), and support social programs such as healthcare, education, environmental preservation, and cultural heritage initiatives. These efforts lead to improved living conditions and foster local economic development, thereby contributing to the sustainable growth of agricultural regions. Furthermore, companies engaged in CSR gain a positive public image and earn trust from local communities, which, in turn, strengthens their business reputation and long-term success in rural areas. A portfolio map of agricultural specialization is provided to underscore each region's contribution to the national agricultural output. The authors argue that post-war recovery in Ukraine’s agricultural regions will depend heavily on CSR projects that support rural infrastructure, job creation, and sustainable farming practices. Key strategic challenges and development directions for each region are outlined. These challenges include soil degradation, insufficient adherence to international standards, low innovation in farming practices, and the outflow of skilled labour. To address these issues, the authors propose various solutions, such as enhancing advisory services for farmers, supporting agricultural cooperatives, and increasing investment in organic farming and innovation-driven agricultural practices. The study emphasizes that implementing CSR programs aligned with these strategic goals will be critical to fostering regional development and improving the quality of life for rural populations.