The impact of the agricultural sector on the sustainable development of rural territorial communities

The agricultural sector is one of the key components in achieving a higher level of sustainable development goals in Ukraine. Consequently, examining the interaction between these two aspects, including at the regional level, remains highly relevant. This study aimed to assess the impact of Ukraine’s agricultural sector on the country’s ability to achieve sustainable development at the regional level. The research focused on the agricultural sector of Mykolaiv region. Based on available statistical data for the region and Ukraine as a whole, the study summarised trends indicating a decline in livestock production and identified the underlying causes of this trend in the country. In particular, it was noted that contributing factors include climatic conditions (such as droughts and water shortages, exacerbated by the destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant), technological constraints, outdated equipment, and insufficient breeding programmes. It was shown that while there has been an overall increase in crop productivity across the country, the trend has been inconsistent: productivity initially rose but began to decline following the full-scale invasion in 2022. Additionally, examples of corporate social responsibility initiatives aimed at developing rural territorial communities were presented. The complex interplay of economic, environmental, and technological factors shaping the current development characteristics of the Mykolaiv region was also highlighted. The findings of this study may be utilised by national and local authorities in formulating strategies for achieving sustainable development goals, as well as by agricultural enterprises in developing their own long-term growth strategies