Innovative social entrepreneurship for agricultural sector, food value chain and environmental impact

Samara National Research University, 34, Moskovskoye Shosse, Samara, 443086, Russia

^* Corresponding author: maria.skivko@gmail.com

Abstract

This article focuses on the idea of resource efficiency applied by modern social entrepreneurs. The main idea of this research is to analyze the potential of resource-efficient technologies and ideas to be incorporated into various social businesses. Thus, special attention is given to the problems of the agricultural sector and food value chain that cause major negative environmental impact by producing greenhouse gases and using non-renewable energy sources. The analysis is supported by three cases of social entrepreneurship practices aimed at applying sustainable technologies, strategies, or ideas in agriculture and farming. The first case describes an agricultural technology startup that uses artificial intelligence and robots in farming to inspect crops and help farmers grow healthy products. The second case narrates the story of a social enterprise that provides an access to quality, affordable, and nutritious rice by supporting smallholder farmers in West Africa. The third case outlines the success of a social enterprise that promotes sustainable principles in holistic and fully integrated farming and builds an eco-community.