The Manifesto outlines 11 ways in which policymakers can accelerate sustainable and enterprising communities, including adopting appropriate models of social financing and democratising access to technology in rural areas

The Manifesto Unlocking the Power of Rural Social Enterprise was launched today at the SEWF Policy Forum 2024. It highlights 11 ways in which policymakers can accelerate sustainable and enterprising communities. Over 100 organisations from more than 35 countries contributed to the production of the Manifesto. The process has been stewarded by the Social Enterprise World Forum (SEWF) and the Australian Centre for Rural Entrepreneurship (ACRE).

Why this Manifesto?

With 3.4 billion people residing in rural areas, the need for rural economic and social

development is a pressing concern for both local and national governments. Extreme poverty and inequality are concentrated mainly in rural areas. An estimated 79% of those experiencing poverty live in rural areas. Rural populations generally have significantly reduced access to essential services, including education, healthcare and infrastructure. In addition, many rural communities depend heavily on climate-sensitive livelihoods. However, across the globe, rural communities are disproportionately at the front line of an accelerating climate crisis.

Deeply rooted in local communities, rural social enterprises play a pivotal role in addressing the unique challenges of rural people including limited access to services, economic opportunities and infrastructure. Through social enterprise - organisations dedicated to driving purpose and profit - rural people create employment opportunities, ensure the provision of essential services, address environmental challenges, boost social cohesion and generate tourism revenue.

Three Guiding Principles

The Manifesto sets out three guiding principles for policy makes to engage with rural communities in a meaningful and impactful way:

   1.  Build trust first.

  2.   Let those nearest the issue have the say.

    3. Co-develop metrics of success.

Eight Policy Recommendations

In addition to these principles, the Manifesto offers eight actionable policy recommendations to support the development of rural social enterprises:

 1.   Provide rural social enterprise with a seat at the table.

2.    Adopt models of social financing and investment that are appropriate for rural communities.

 3.   Engage the next generation as agents of positive change.

  4.  Foster networks and create business support structures in rural communities.

 5.   Democratise access to technology in rural areas.

6.    Integrate social inclusion and environmental protection criteria in procurement processes.

7.    Create incentives for local community asset ownership in rural policy.

8.    Leverage the role of social enterprises to retain and attract people to rural communities.

A global call to action

The Manifesto serves as both a policy roadmap and a global call to action. It underscores the vital role rural social enterprise plays in achieving sustainable rural development and addressing pressing issues such as poverty, inequality and the climate crisis.

"The launch of the Rural Social Enterprise Manifesto is an important step in policy advocacy for rural communities around the world. Our global network of rural social enterprises is committed to championing policy change that recognises the innovation and resilience of rural communities. 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. SEWF will work with all partners to support policy change that improves the conditions for sustainable and enterprising rural communities," said Gerry Higgins, Founder and Managing Director of SEWF.

Alongside the policy recommendations, the Manifesto also shares a range of case studies, illustrating the diverse ways rural social enterprise is already making a positive impact around the world.

"Globally, rural communities face unique challenges, and the Rural Manifesto serves as a seminal document that offers essential leadership for policymakers worldwide. ACRE is honoured to have partnered with SEWF and rural leaders from over 35 counties in the development of this important roadmap for the future," said Matt Pfahlert, Co-founder and CEO of ACRE.

As the world faces mounting social, economic and environmental challenges, the Manifesto offers a vision for how rural communities can thrive through social innovation and enterprise. Policymakers, investors and community leaders are urged to join the movement and unlock the full potential of rural social enterprise.