VILLAGE ENTERPRISE
Village enterprises play a crucial role in developing and empowering rural communities in Sri Lanka. Village enterprise projects contribute to local economic development by generating income and employment opportunities within rural areas. They help diversify the local economy, reduce dependency on agriculture alone, and create sustainable livelihoods for rural communities.
The village Enterprise equips people living below the poverty level in North and Eastern Sri Lanka to start sustainable businesses within their villages. Our program helps farming communities opportunities that improve their living standards and breaks the poverty cycle for themselves and their families.
Village Enterprise equips people living in below poverty level in North East of Sri Lanka to start sustainable businesses within their villages. Our program help small businesses opportunities that improves their standard of living and breaks the cycle of poverty for themselves and their families.
The Village Enterprise program provides training and on-going mentoring by joint venture with local educational training centers and partners. Our Integrated conservation training ensures that new business activities promote environmental best practices that include livestock, farming, small retail stores and restaurants, tailoring, and beekeeping.
Agriculture is indeed one of the most critical sectors in the Sri Lankan economy. The National GDP of Sri Lanka comprises approximately 7% from the agriculture sector, whereas 1.2% is from the fisheries sector and 0.6% from the livestock sector.
There are local and international demands for various products from Sri Lanka. However, supply chains and marketing channels are underdeveloped and riddled with unscrupulous practices.
In Sri Lanka, the population continues to feel the brunt of the deteriorating economic and food crises. About 3 in 10 households (6.26 million people) are food insecure, 65,600 of which are severely food insecure. Food inflation was alarmingly high at 57.4 percent in June 2022. Two hundred thousand households are using emergency livelihood coping strategies. (According to WFP’s latest food security assessment).
Therefore, it is recognized that Agriculture will primarily contribute to sustainable economic growth, poverty reduction, and food security.
Turning Vision into Action
Village enterprise involves people, we help individuals identify their vision into action by developing business strategy and create path way to entrepreneurship.
Our Strategy Execution to turn that great strategy into great performance
1. Mobilise the Village
2. Identify potentials
3. Power-up and create hope
4. Energise people and develop skills
5. Build Endurance by transforming vision into reality
We aim to leverage local resources on the project to benefit the local communities.
Expected Outcomes:
1. A deeper understanding of the impact
2. Economic development and security amongst communities
3. Change the future of a community that has been deprived of the quality of life
The Village Enterprise program provides training and ongoing mentoring through a joint venture with local educational training centers and partners. Our Integrated conservation training ensures that new business activities promote environmental best practices, including organic farming, livestock, small retail stores and restaurants, tailoring, and beekeeping.
How we do it – Pipeline projects waiting for donors and partner affiliations
Projects:
- Livelihood Project – Trincomalee District.”
Following a detailed need assessment conducted in the district, Kottadi area has been identified as having the potential to commence agriculture projects to provide livelihood to the communities. Paddy, Groundnut, Chickpeas, Urid dhal, Corn, Lentils, large-scale papaw, onion, and vegetable cultivation has been identified as seasonal and non-seasonal crops throughout the year.
Long-term projects such as coconut, cashew, and poultry farming have been identified.
Feasibility study with land availability, Govt. agent approval has been obtained. Waiting for donor/s to commence projects.
- Aquaculture Development projects in Ampara district:
Kanchikudicharu, Thirukkovil & Rufus Tanks (Inland Fish/Prawn/Crab Farming) – Project Implemented & Moving to upscale 2nd phase.
- Animal Husbandry – Ear Tagging project in Batticaloa district:
The survival of the local cattle is greatly challenged amongst low-income farmers who are challenged with health management. Instead, they are opting to sell their cattle to butcheries. Ear Tagging enables farmers to locate and monitor their animals with improved grazing management, efficiency, and traceability. At the same time, they are taken care of by the government veterinary department in maintaining their cattle.
- Dairy Processing Plant Project – Ampara & Batticaloa districts:
At present, in both districts, the farmers are challenged as there aren’t any collection centers or processing plants. They are depended on Govt managed Milco or privately managed companies to go to the farmers to collect the milk. Therefore, in collaboration with the corporative societies looking at the wide scope to invest in the processing plants. A feasibility study has been conducted, and previously run plants that have been shut down have been identified for potential investors/donors to execute the project, which is in the pipeline.
- Village Development Project – Amaithipuram – Mullaitivu District:
Have identified 34 families who are living below the poverty line, consisting of agricultural land and natural resources. A feasibility study detailing the potential agriculture development project to revive the poor community has been conducted. The Govt. The divisional secretariat has approved proceeding with the project. Waiting for a potential donor to invest in project implementation costs.
Village enterprise projects foster social cohesion and community development. They encourage cooperation, collective decision-making, and shared responsibilities within the community. When implemented sustainably, projects contribute to environmental conservation and sustainable development goals. They can adopt environmentally friendly practices, promote organic farming, and preserve local ecosystems, supporting sustainable rural development.
It is important to note that the success and impact of village enterprises depend on various factors, including access to finance, market linkages, technical support, infrastructure, and supportive policies. Creating an enabling environment and providing targeted support for the establishment and growth of village enterprises can maximize their positive impact on rural communities in Sri Lanka.
