Sociological assessment of selected indicators of women’s entrepreneurship development in rural areas (based on the results of an international research project)

The article presents the results of a sociological study examining specific aspects of women’s entrepreneurship in the agricultural sector, conducted by the Institute of Sociology of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus with support from FAO. The research employs a mixed­methods approach combining quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques, including a questionnaire survey of rural women in three pilot regions of Belarus, along with a series of focus groups and in­depth interviews with agricultural entrepreneurs, financial institution representatives, and local government officials. Data analysis revealed a complex set of factors influencing the development of women’s entrepreneurship in rural areas. On one hand, women demonstrate active participation in key agricultural activities including crop production and livestock farming. On the other hand, their entrepreneurial potential faces numerous constraints related to access to financial resources, production mechanization levels, and product marketing organization. Particular attention is given to the social aspects of business management, including the necessity of balancing productive activities with domestic responsibilities. The study highlights the crucial importance of rural infrastructure development for creating favorable entrepreneurial conditions. Key areas for improvement identified include: enhancing advisory services, improving financial literacy, and expanding access to financial institutions and equipment. The findings emphasize the need to consider gender­specific factors when designing support programs for small and medium agricultural businesses. The practical significance of this research lies in its potential to inform and optimize government policies aimed at rural development. The proposed recommendations could facilitate more complete realization of rural women’s entrepreneurial potential, which would positively impact the economic development of the country’s agricultural sector in the long term.