Manifesto outlines 11 ways to unlock the power of rural social enterprise at SEWF Policy Forum 2024
'Unlocking the Power of Rural Social Enterprise' launched today at the SEWF Policy Forum 2024 highlights what social enterprises need to support the development of sustainable and enterprising rural communities around the world.
The 3.4bn people living in rural communities across the world are at the frontline of the climate crisis, suffer poverty and equality more than their urban counterparts and have limited access to essential services like education and healthcare.
Rural social enterprises can play a role in addressing the unique challenges that rural people face – but need more support to do this effectively, according to a new manifesto published by the global social enterprise movement.
Often the conversation about rural communities is about disadvantage and deficit...but rural people have incredible insights into solutions
Launched with the jangle of a cowbell this morning at the Social Enterprise World Forum’s Policy Forum 2024, Unlocking the Power of Rural Social Enterprise calls on policymakers to help accelerate the development of sustainable and enterprising rural communities, including adopting appropriate models of social financing and democratising access to technology.
More than 100 organisations from more than 35 countries contributed to the development of the manifesto, led by the Social Enterprise World Forum and the Australian Centre for Rural Entrepreneurship (ACRE).
“Globally, rural communities face unique challenges, and the rural manifesto serves as a seminal document that offers essential leadership for policymakers worldwide,” said Matt Pfahlert, co-founder and CEO of ACRE.
“This Rural Manifesto is part of a transition to a new economy that values wellbeing, fair work, local decision making and critically, the need to live within the means of our living planet,” said Gerry Higgins, founder and managing director of SEWF.
Rural social enterprises around the worldBeyond the Gorillas Experience, Rwanda: This social enterprise, founded in 2010 and based near Volcanoes National Park, aims to create sustainable economic opportunities for rural communities by offering tourist experiences such as village tours, bird watching and agri-tourism. Digital Dera, Pakistan: Launched in 2021, this social enterprise empowers farmers in rural villages by providing internet access and digital tools. This means that farmers can make informed decisions about their farm activities based on information such as the weather forecast and market prices. It also offers educational opportunities and access to essential government services. Urras Oighreachd Ghabhasainn, Scotland: This community trust manages the 56,000-acre Galson Estate on the Isle of Lewis in the outer Hebrides on behalf of its 1,800 residents, after buying the estate from private owners. Income is generated from three wind turbines which is distributed to the community via a community investment fund. Source: Unlocking the Power of Rural Social Enterprise |
Speaking at the online launch event, Mary-Anne Scully, executive director at ACRE, said: "Often the conversation about rural communities is about disadvantage and deficit." However, she pointed out, rural communities had great strengths. These included rural residents' profound understanding of the issues they faced and "incredible insights into solutions". Although rural people were often perceived as uneducated, in fact they had enormous hidden capacity and a "deep level of expertise". She added that rural people were "there for the long haul". Rural-focused social enterprises could tap into rural people's "tenacious spirit and acceptance of risk", she said.
Scully rang a cowbell to mark the publication of the document.
Header photo: Mary-Anne Scully (right) speaking with event host Huda Jaffer, director of the SELCO Foundation, at the SEWF Policy Forum 2024
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