AGROECOTOURISM AS A DIRECTION OF SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT IN RURAL AREAS: EXPERIENCE OF THE REPUBLIC OF BELARUS

The article deals with the development of social entrepreneurship in the Republic of Belarus in rural areas. The priority directions of development of social entrepreneurship in these regions have been singled out. First of all, they include the sphere of agroecotourism and handicraft activity. The main indicators and directions of activity in this sphere are considered. The analysis of available data made it possible to conclude that the sphere of agroecotourism and handicraft activities are dynamically developing areas of activity. The current barriers to the development of social entrepreneurship in the Republic of Belarus have been identified. First of all, they include legal, economic, educational and information support problems. The development of social entrepreneurship will contribute to solving such important rural issues as employment, restoration and development of local culture, handicrafts, nature, as well as more rational use of land resources.