SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE RISK MANAGEMENT IN LOGISTICS CHAINS FOR THE EXPORT OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS

Abstract

In the contemporary context of transforming global economic relations and increasing turbulence in world markets, exacerbated by geopolitical conflicts, climate change, and logistical imbalances, effective risk management in agricultural export supply chains has acquired critical scientific and practical significance. For countries with significant agricultural potential, this area serves not only as a source of foreign exchange earnings but also as a key element in ensuring global food security. Instability in transport infrastructure, disruption of traditional supply routes, rising transportation costs, and growing regulatory and environmental requirements create a complex multi-level risk landscape that necessitates a systematic and integrated approach to identification, assessment, and mitigation. The relevance of this research is further reinforced by the need to reconsider classical logistics management approaches through the lens of corporate social responsibility (CSR). In this regard, risk management extends beyond purely economic efficiency to encompass social and environmental aspects of supply chain operations, including safe working conditions in the transport and logistics sector, minimizing environmental impacts, adherence to ethical standards in stakeholder interactions, and supporting stable food supply to vulnerable regions. Consequently, risk management in agricultural export logistics becomes an essential instrument for implementing sustainable development principles. The scientific significance of the study lies in the formation of theoretical and methodological foundations for integrating risk management and CSR into a unified management system. This includes developing approaches for risk classification considering socio-environmental criteria, refining methods for their quantitative and qualitative assessment, and implementing adaptive mechanisms for responding to crises. Particular attention is given to examining the relationship between the level of social responsibility of supply chain actors and their capacity for effective risk management under uncertainty. The analysis of leading agricultural exporters demonstrates that socially responsible risk management is operationalized through infrastructure investment, environmentally oriented solutions, international partnerships, and stakeholder engagement. Integration of ESG approaches, alternative logistics development, and adherence to international standards allows minimizing operational and reputational risks while increasing socio-economic efficiency. The conceptual-methodological framework proposed confirms that socially responsible risk management constitutes a strategic factor in enhancing competitiveness, ensuring food security, and supporting balanced development at both national and global levels.