Women’s entrepreneurship in Ukrainian agriculture: identifying channels for strengthening strategic development

Purpose. Women’s entrepreneurship is a crucial driver of economic development, especially against the backdrop of challenges related to the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian war. This article aims to explore the channels that empower women entrepreneurs in agribusiness, highlighting the significant influence of the agribusiness environment on their strategic development. Methodology / approach. An online survey, conducted using Google Forms from April to September 2024, covered six regions of Ukraine, ensuring diverse geographic representation. The survey involved 110 participants, including women entrepreneurs and those in leadership positions within agribusiness. Cognitive structuring was used to identify core group-concepts and assess the positive and negative impacts of various factors deemed critical by women in agribusiness. Results. Using the FCMapper software, key channels serving as catalysts for enhancing women’s entrepreneurship in agribusiness were identified. The findings indicate that strengthening strategic development in this sector requires prioritising channels with strong and medium positive impacts. These channels ensure targeted and stimulative measures to foster economic activity and resilience among women entrepreneurs in Ukrainian agribusiness. Originality / scientific novelty. The study provides a novel perspective on the role of cognitive structuring in understanding the complex interactions influencing women’s entrepreneurship in agribusiness. Unlike previous research, this study identifies specific factors that act as catalysts for strategic growth and highlights the role of the agribusiness environment in shaping women’s entrepreneurial activities. Practical value / implications. The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and business support organisations. The identified priority channels can guide the development of targeted policies and initiatives to foster a more supportive ecosystem for women entrepreneurs in agribusiness, contributing to economic recovery and sustainable rural development in Ukraine.