28th Mar 2008

Opportunities for rural women in organic and green business in Asia

Source: http://www.csr-asia.com/index.php?id=11451

A guidebook by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific argues that new opportunities for farmers in developing countries are available through entrepreneurship and e-business in niche green or ‘organic’ cooperatives.  In particular the opportunities are greatest for women smallholders.  However, it also notes that in order to develop this opportunity, discriminatory practices which constrain women’s entrepreneurship need to be eliminated and it puts forward various recommendations. Due to its length and complicated language I question its use as a practical and grassroots "guidebook" for any woman who wants to start an organic or green business!  However, the background research, statistics, market analysis case studies and documented lessons learned provide for interesting reading and maybe useful for companies who are interested in related initiatives as part of their own community investment. 


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