Addressing Rural Social Exclusion in the Developing World: Exploring the Role of African Social Purpose Ventures
Exploring Rural Enterprise: New Perspectives On Research, Policy & Practice
ISBN: 978-1-78441-112-1, eISBN: 978-1-78441-109-1
Publication date: 4 August 2014
Abstract
Purpose
This chapter considers social purpose venturing as a vehicle for addressing social exclusion in the rural developing world, illustrated with reference to case examples across a range of East and Southern African countries.
Methodology/approach
Data was collected during in-depth case study research with social purpose ventures in various African countries. Qualitative research methods were primarily employed including interviews, stakeholder focus groups and observational research.
Findings
Six channels through which social purpose ventures contribute to tackling social exclusion amongst rural BoP communities are identified. These include ventures with the BoP as employees, producers, consumers, entrepreneurs, service users and shareholders. Characteristics for successful social purpose ventures are also discussed.
Research implications
The chapter adds to knowledge in the field of social purpose venturing in the developing world. It identifies various channels through which such ventures help tackle rural social exclusion and also factors influencing their success.
Practical implications
The chapter provides insights for practitioners and policy makers, particularly in relation to facilitating successful social purpose venturing.
Social implications
This chapter contributes to better practice in rural development in the Global South.
Originality/value
Insights relevant to academic and practitioner audiences are provided, as the chapter addresses a subject area and region that have received limited attention.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to acknowledge the financial support of the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC grant reference RES-061-25-0473). We would also like to thank all the participants in our interviews and focus groups, and the access granted to us by the case studies. All views expressed in this chapter are those of the authors only. For further information, see http://www.trickleout.net/index.php/casestudiesmenu
Citation
Littlewood, D. and Holt, D. (2014), "Addressing Rural Social Exclusion in the Developing World: Exploring the Role of African Social Purpose Ventures", Exploring Rural Enterprise: New Perspectives On Research, Policy & Practice (Contemporary Issues in Entrepreneurship Research, Vol. 4), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 105-131. https://doi.org/10.1108/S2040-724620140000004005
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2014 Emerald Group Publishing Limited