IMPACT OF CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY ON ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION: INSIGHTS FROM SENSELET FOOD PROCESSING PRIVATE LIMITED COMPANY, HAGEREMARIAM, NORTH SHEWA ZONE, ETHIOPIA

This study aims to assess Senselet Food Processing PLC's corporate social responsibility (hereafter, CSR) activities and their effects on environmental conservation. Corporate social responsibility pertains to the accountability of businesses or corporations for their societal effects and outcomes. It emphasizes how their commercial operations should incorporate social, environmental, and economic considerations. Both a qualitative research method and a descriptive survey were used in the study. Thirteen key informants, including representatives from the local and federal governments, the company under investigation, and twenty-four focus group discussion (FGD) participants from the surrounding communities, were chosen through purposeful sampling techniques for scheduled interviews. Primary, secondary, and mixed data sources, along with quantitative and qualitative data, were employed in this study. Findings portray the need for Senselet to establish a structured CSR framework, enhance managerial capacity, and actively collaborate with local communities for environmental conservation. The study concludes that Senselet demonstrates potential in economic CSR, but its social and environmental contributions require significant improvement to achieve holistic sustainability. Recommendations include creating a dedicated CSR department, fostering community partnerships, and aligning with regulatory frameworks to ensure environmental conservation.