#SocEntChat August: Rural Innovation in India and Africa
Ranked #2,344 in Volunteering, #388,720 overall
Rural Innovation in India and Africa
Do you know someone who is working to make smallholder farming more productive and sustainable in Africa? Or, perhaps you have witnessed the work of someone striving to stimulate rural development in India? Are you passionate about improving the quality of life in rural communities around the world? If so, Ashoka and Changemakers would love to hear from you.
We believe that system-changing solutions in agriculture and in the lives of rural citizens in Sub-Saharan Africa and India require a focus on innovation and entrepreneurship. It is precisely in these rural communities and on smallholder farms where the most creative solutions are being born, and we need your help to reach them.
We are motivated by people like C.K. "Bablu" Ganguly, an Ashoka Fellow whose innovations have regenerated farmland and created jobs via organic farming and marketing cooperatives in southern India. We're also encouraged by Adrian Mukhebi, another Ashoka fellow who created a virtual trading floor via radio and SMS messaging to link thousands of farmers and buyers and sellers in Kenya. Ganguly and Mukhebi's work not only revitalized the local farming economies but also directly met many of their communities' education and health needs, in addition to empowering local women to actively participate in farming and business development.
It is creative projects like these that inspire us. We believe that system-changing entrepreneurial ideas like theirs will provide the stimulation required for true sustainable growth in farming communities. We are investing in the shared belief that by supporting social entrepreneurs the world will yield the highest return - social change. And we ask you to be a part of it.
We believe that system-changing solutions in agriculture and in the lives of rural citizens in Sub-Saharan Africa and India require a focus on innovation and entrepreneurship. It is precisely in these rural communities and on smallholder farms where the most creative solutions are being born, and we need your help to reach them.
We are motivated by people like C.K. "Bablu" Ganguly, an Ashoka Fellow whose innovations have regenerated farmland and created jobs via organic farming and marketing cooperatives in southern India. We're also encouraged by Adrian Mukhebi, another Ashoka fellow who created a virtual trading floor via radio and SMS messaging to link thousands of farmers and buyers and sellers in Kenya. Ganguly and Mukhebi's work not only revitalized the local farming economies but also directly met many of their communities' education and health needs, in addition to empowering local women to actively participate in farming and business development.
It is creative projects like these that inspire us. We believe that system-changing entrepreneurial ideas like theirs will provide the stimulation required for true sustainable growth in farming communities. We are investing in the shared belief that by supporting social entrepreneurs the world will yield the highest return - social change. And we ask you to be a part of it.
Introductions
SocialEarth: #SocEntChat we're here! Let's get it rockin ;)
gbengasesan: It's my first time on #SocEntChat. I'm 'Gbenga Sesan, an Ashoka Fellow from Nigeria. I look forward to the discussion - interesting topic
tomjd: I'm Tom, social media guy at Ashoka. I run @AshokaTweets and moderate #SocEntChat from there but will express any personal opinions here.
ideasforafrica: Intro: Hey all, this is Africa Rural Connect, joining in on the #SocEntChat
AshokaTweets: @gbengasesan So glad you can join us 'Gbenga! It will be wonderful to have your perspectives #SocEntChat
RichardSmedley: Caught on the hop by earlier start to #SocEntChat: may not manage much attendant tweeting...2 join in, see http://www.squidoo.com/SocEntChat
simonsema: @gbengasesan #SocEntChat. Welcome 'Gbenga! everyone else - 'Gbenga's ashoka profile at http://www.ashoka.org/gsesan
naijand: @.gbengasesan: It's my first time on #SocEntChat. I'm 'Gbenga Sesan, an Ashoka Fellow from Nigeria. I look forwa.. http://bit.ly/fkxjx (expand )
raquelwilson: is joining the #SocEntChat. Today's topic Rural Innovation in #Africa & #India.
africastrategy: Happened across #SocEntChat Looks very interesting. Can't join in today but look forward to reading the stream later.
wilkristin: Happy to join some of today's #SocEntChat on rural innovation in Africa + India. Hi @gbengasesan. I work at Ashoka HQ in DC.
solarfund: Hi, I'm chris from SELF. We work on #solar energy in rural villages. Our work in Benin: http://bit.ly/ocCQg #SocEntChat
gbengasesan: It's my first time on #SocEntChat. I'm 'Gbenga Sesan, an Ashoka Fellow from Nigeria. I look forward to the discussion - interesting topic
tomjd: I'm Tom, social media guy at Ashoka. I run @AshokaTweets and moderate #SocEntChat from there but will express any personal opinions here.
ideasforafrica: Intro: Hey all, this is Africa Rural Connect, joining in on the #SocEntChat
AshokaTweets: @gbengasesan So glad you can join us 'Gbenga! It will be wonderful to have your perspectives #SocEntChat
RichardSmedley: Caught on the hop by earlier start to #SocEntChat: may not manage much attendant tweeting...2 join in, see http://www.squidoo.com/SocEntChat
simonsema: @gbengasesan #SocEntChat. Welcome 'Gbenga! everyone else - 'Gbenga's ashoka profile at http://www.ashoka.org/gsesan
naijand: @.gbengasesan: It's my first time on #SocEntChat. I'm 'Gbenga Sesan, an Ashoka Fellow from Nigeria. I look forwa.. http://bit.ly/fkxjx (expand )
raquelwilson: is joining the #SocEntChat. Today's topic Rural Innovation in #Africa & #India.
africastrategy: Happened across #SocEntChat Looks very interesting. Can't join in today but look forward to reading the stream later.
wilkristin: Happy to join some of today's #SocEntChat on rural innovation in Africa + India. Hi @gbengasesan. I work at Ashoka HQ in DC.
solarfund: Hi, I'm chris from SELF. We work on #solar energy in rural villages. Our work in Benin: http://bit.ly/ocCQg #SocEntChat
Questions 1
What communities and countries are at forefront of rural innovations? What can we learn from their initiatives?
ideasforafrica: I would note ARC: Innovative Online Collaborative Workspace 2 develop best ideas 4 rural Africa- http://bit.ly/arcideas #SocEntChat
ideasforafrica: And there is mobile money transfer technology, such as M-pesa in Kenya- easier access to funds for farmers #SocEntChat
roballen101: Ashoka just had a competition on this - finalists here - http://bit.ly/11la22 #SocEntChat
AshokaTweets: @ideasforafrica So would you say Kenya is a leader in Rural Innovation in Africa currently Lessons: importance of mobile #SocEntChat
AshokaTweets: This project from Uganda helping small-scale famers won the @Changemakers Rural Innovation competition http://bit.ly/3wWGee #SocEntChat
ideasforafrica: Yes, Kenya has made advances- but Mobile tech is becoming a major part of rural dev. across the board-- #SocEntChat
RyanRic: Jamii Bora is a microcredit org. in Kenya... run by clients + very efficient ( http://tech.ashoka.org/ajamiiborastory ) #socentchat
ideasforafrica: Ex: Using Mobile Tech to detect and respond to Cassava crop disease in Tanzania: http://tinyurl.com/m4wa6n #SocEntChat
EGlue: RT @ideasforafrica: Ex: Using Mobile Tech to detect and respond to Cassava crop disease in Tanzania: http://tinyurl.com/m4wa6n #SocEntChat
metowestyle: RT @AshokaTweets: Uganda project w small-scale farmers won the @Changemakers Rural Innovat'n competition http://bit.ly/3wWGee #SocEntChat
hubworld: RT @AshokaTech: It's #SocEntChat time! http://bit.ly/52Wnm :: Interesting discussion on Rural Development in Ind.. http://bit.ly/11Q7lb
roballen101: In Uganda also http://bit.ly/BswTF #socentchat
simonsema: @RyanRic JamiiBora is amazing and big bc built in buy-in from members. can't just dump tech either, need to make sense locally #SocEntChat
AshokaTweets: @ideasforafrica What are the conditions that have led to advances in some places (Kenya, Tanzania) but not others #SocEntChat
KelseyHunter: following the #SocEntChat
gbengasesan: The law of 'technology demand' and 'expertise supply' come to play in which countries see innovation advances. #SocEntChat
HeatherLaGarde: caring abt tech means caring abt electricity -love projects like http://bit.ly/mut2X - and yrs sounds interesting @solarfund #SocEntChat
gbengasesan: There appears to be some form of disconnect between these two in certain countries, hence slowed activity in rural innovation #SocEntChat
HeatherLaGarde: great list of rural innovations with larger / scalable implications at http://bit.ly/WvC4s #SocEntChat
gbengasesan: There's the tendency that expertise is applied towards most profitable sectors while assuming that rural innovation lacks reward #SocEntChat
AshokaTweets: @gbengasesan So eduction is fundamental You can't just drop technology on communities not ready for it in other words #SocEntChat
tomjd: Great point! RT @HeatherLaGarde: caring about tech means caring about electricity -love projects like http://bit.ly/mut2X #SocEntChat
ideasforafrica: Major hinderance in countries such as Ethiopia- in which gov't has monopoly of telecommunications: no competition= no innovation #SocEntChat
ideasforafrica: So until gov'ts adjust to new tech-- its necessary to tailor solutions to specific conditions in each country and region-- #SocEntChat
IntraHealthOPEN: Education is critical in tech (health apps esp) products arebetter when local/rural participate in dev.- why we like open source #SocEntChat
roballen101: development marketplace has a few good examples - http://blogs.worldbank.org/dmblog/ #SocEntChat
solarfund: Thanks! RT @HeatherLaGarde caring abt tech means caring abt electricity -love projects like http://bit.ly/mut2X #SocEntChat
AshokaTweets: Relevant to the conversation: A slide-show from the #mobile tech event in Nairobi in June http://bit.ly/11yarm #SocEntChat
ideasforafrica: Steps in Education: Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda-new Bachelor of Agricultural and Rural Innovation: http://bit.ly/15nEK1 #SocEntChat
montero: Really wish I was not so swapped today so I could join in on @AshokaTweets #SocEntChat please send transcript! =)
AshokaTech: Ideas for #SocEntChat from the AshokaTech blog: rural fridge http://bit.ly/Go5IK
AshokaTweets: @montero We'll post the #SocEntChat transcript to Squidoo after the chat, I'll send out link when it's up.
AshokaTech: More Ideas for #SocEntChat from the AshokaTech blog: mobile HIV testing KIT http://bit.ly/2KJl1d
cascadia: @AshokaTweets Interesting rural health idea @SMSmedic in Malawi project @PIH_org village health workers http://www.jopsa.org/ #SocEntChat
ideasforafrica: *Other than Mobile--- there is Questionbox- Very Cool-- being used in India & Uganda - http://tinyurl.com/kko4zn #SocEntChat
wilkristin: @gbengasesan Have u seen positive incentives 4 bringing expertise to rural innovation ex. Florence Wambugu http://bit.ly/T1wUh #socentchat
tomjd: RT @simonsema: Communities: educators, tech folks, mob-phone-carrying-farmers.I think there is trend 2 do away w/ mddlemen, yes #SocEntChat
ideasforafrica: @paconmiller suggests expanding questionbox and other tech in Africa on the Africa Rural Connect site: http://tinyurl.com/mp764d #SocEntChat
HeatherLaGarde: yes @cascadia @SMSmedic @PIH_org @ushahidi @frontlinesms @episurveyor (datadyne) @openmrs @openrosa =better rural participation #SocEntChat
gbengasesan: Thanks @wilkristin, I'll check that out. I'm very keen about the opportunities to bridge the gap between NEED and EXPERTISE #SocEntChat
cascadia: RT @simonsema: Communities: educators, tech folks, mobile-phone-carrying-farmers.I think thr is a trend 2 do away w/ middlemen. #SocEntChat
simonsema: Kaushlendra. check him out. http://bit.ly/xRi7a uses same tech to transport polio meds but for veggies. also many access pts. #SocEntChat
ideasforafrica: And there is mobile money transfer technology, such as M-pesa in Kenya- easier access to funds for farmers #SocEntChat
roballen101: Ashoka just had a competition on this - finalists here - http://bit.ly/11la22 #SocEntChat
AshokaTweets: @ideasforafrica So would you say Kenya is a leader in Rural Innovation in Africa currently Lessons: importance of mobile #SocEntChat
AshokaTweets: This project from Uganda helping small-scale famers won the @Changemakers Rural Innovation competition http://bit.ly/3wWGee #SocEntChat
ideasforafrica: Yes, Kenya has made advances- but Mobile tech is becoming a major part of rural dev. across the board-- #SocEntChat
RyanRic: Jamii Bora is a microcredit org. in Kenya... run by clients + very efficient ( http://tech.ashoka.org/ajamiiborastory ) #socentchat
ideasforafrica: Ex: Using Mobile Tech to detect and respond to Cassava crop disease in Tanzania: http://tinyurl.com/m4wa6n #SocEntChat
EGlue: RT @ideasforafrica: Ex: Using Mobile Tech to detect and respond to Cassava crop disease in Tanzania: http://tinyurl.com/m4wa6n #SocEntChat
metowestyle: RT @AshokaTweets: Uganda project w small-scale farmers won the @Changemakers Rural Innovat'n competition http://bit.ly/3wWGee #SocEntChat
hubworld: RT @AshokaTech: It's #SocEntChat time! http://bit.ly/52Wnm :: Interesting discussion on Rural Development in Ind.. http://bit.ly/11Q7lb
roballen101: In Uganda also http://bit.ly/BswTF #socentchat
simonsema: @RyanRic JamiiBora is amazing and big bc built in buy-in from members. can't just dump tech either, need to make sense locally #SocEntChat
AshokaTweets: @ideasforafrica What are the conditions that have led to advances in some places (Kenya, Tanzania) but not others #SocEntChat
KelseyHunter: following the #SocEntChat
gbengasesan: The law of 'technology demand' and 'expertise supply' come to play in which countries see innovation advances. #SocEntChat
HeatherLaGarde: caring abt tech means caring abt electricity -love projects like http://bit.ly/mut2X - and yrs sounds interesting @solarfund #SocEntChat
gbengasesan: There appears to be some form of disconnect between these two in certain countries, hence slowed activity in rural innovation #SocEntChat
HeatherLaGarde: great list of rural innovations with larger / scalable implications at http://bit.ly/WvC4s #SocEntChat
gbengasesan: There's the tendency that expertise is applied towards most profitable sectors while assuming that rural innovation lacks reward #SocEntChat
AshokaTweets: @gbengasesan So eduction is fundamental You can't just drop technology on communities not ready for it in other words #SocEntChat
tomjd: Great point! RT @HeatherLaGarde: caring about tech means caring about electricity -love projects like http://bit.ly/mut2X #SocEntChat
ideasforafrica: Major hinderance in countries such as Ethiopia- in which gov't has monopoly of telecommunications: no competition= no innovation #SocEntChat
ideasforafrica: So until gov'ts adjust to new tech-- its necessary to tailor solutions to specific conditions in each country and region-- #SocEntChat
IntraHealthOPEN: Education is critical in tech (health apps esp) products arebetter when local/rural participate in dev.- why we like open source #SocEntChat
roballen101: development marketplace has a few good examples - http://blogs.worldbank.org/dmblog/ #SocEntChat
solarfund: Thanks! RT @HeatherLaGarde caring abt tech means caring abt electricity -love projects like http://bit.ly/mut2X #SocEntChat
AshokaTweets: Relevant to the conversation: A slide-show from the #mobile tech event in Nairobi in June http://bit.ly/11yarm #SocEntChat
ideasforafrica: Steps in Education: Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda-new Bachelor of Agricultural and Rural Innovation: http://bit.ly/15nEK1 #SocEntChat
montero: Really wish I was not so swapped today so I could join in on @AshokaTweets #SocEntChat please send transcript! =)
AshokaTech: Ideas for #SocEntChat from the AshokaTech blog: rural fridge http://bit.ly/Go5IK
AshokaTweets: @montero We'll post the #SocEntChat transcript to Squidoo after the chat, I'll send out link when it's up.
AshokaTech: More Ideas for #SocEntChat from the AshokaTech blog: mobile HIV testing KIT http://bit.ly/2KJl1d
cascadia: @AshokaTweets Interesting rural health idea @SMSmedic in Malawi project @PIH_org village health workers http://www.jopsa.org/ #SocEntChat
ideasforafrica: *Other than Mobile--- there is Questionbox- Very Cool-- being used in India & Uganda - http://tinyurl.com/kko4zn #SocEntChat
wilkristin: @gbengasesan Have u seen positive incentives 4 bringing expertise to rural innovation ex. Florence Wambugu http://bit.ly/T1wUh #socentchat
tomjd: RT @simonsema: Communities: educators, tech folks, mob-phone-carrying-farmers.I think there is trend 2 do away w/ mddlemen, yes #SocEntChat
ideasforafrica: @paconmiller suggests expanding questionbox and other tech in Africa on the Africa Rural Connect site: http://tinyurl.com/mp764d #SocEntChat
HeatherLaGarde: yes @cascadia @SMSmedic @PIH_org @ushahidi @frontlinesms @episurveyor (datadyne) @openmrs @openrosa =better rural participation #SocEntChat
gbengasesan: Thanks @wilkristin, I'll check that out. I'm very keen about the opportunities to bridge the gap between NEED and EXPERTISE #SocEntChat
cascadia: RT @simonsema: Communities: educators, tech folks, mobile-phone-carrying-farmers.I think thr is a trend 2 do away w/ middlemen. #SocEntChat
simonsema: Kaushlendra. check him out. http://bit.ly/xRi7a uses same tech to transport polio meds but for veggies. also many access pts. #SocEntChat
Question 2
How can public & private systems, like healthcare, transport, infrastructure, financial services, be improved for rural communities?
simonsema: A2: on infra: really interesting dude in Bihar India - not improving roads. still takes 20 hours. but created a veg cold chain #SocEntChat
ideasforafrica: NGOs need 2 beware of temporary infrastructure solutions w/o offering communities means of upkeep: Ex: http://tinyurl.com/kunhjx #SocEntChat
solarfund: SELF is working with @PIH_org in #Burundi on #health clinics: http://bit.ly/103scp #SocEntChat
tomjd: RT @ideasforafrica: NGOs need 2 beware of temporary infrastructure w/o offering means of upkeep: Ex: http://tinyurl.com/kunhjx #SocEntChat
wilkristin: @simonsema Interesting that Kaushlendra is already working on venture in H20 from knowledge in farming. A serial soc entrprnr #SocEntChat
DawsonBridger: RT @changemakers -Idea here: http://bit.ly/IM8Gf Access to rural land leads to increased income generation through cultivation. #SocEntChat
simonsema: @carboncredit @greenbloggers on markets: we are also seeing demand in the west change reality on the ground for african farmers #SocEntChat
simonsema: @alimerifield commented only 30% of African farmers have access 2 road. i say we need to make the most of trips into town! #SocEntChat
pcorpsconnect: Happening now- join in to offer thoughts! RT @AshokaTweets: Today's #SocEntChat topic is Rural Innovation in Africa & India.
aim2run: #SocEntChat ck out Embraceglobal.org for their efforts in combatting infant mortality in India thru innovative design of an incubator
tomjd: Key issue seems to be sequencing of infrastructure improvements. What should come first given limited budgets? #SocEntChat
simonsema: @issafrica interesting chat going on now. starting to see a vision 4the future of farming-not $$ but networks, tech &knowledge #SocEntChat
tomjd: RT @simonsema: interesting chat going on. starting to see a vision 4 the future of farming-not $$ but networks, tech &knowledge #SocEntChat
ideasforafrica: Ideas on Water Resources are being discussed in detail by Africans and Development Professionals at ARC http://bit.ly/arcideas #SocEntChat
tomjd: RT @EGlue: PSA TIME: Check out http://www.AfricaRuralConnect.org We want your ideas! Africa needs your ideas. - V relevant to #SocEntChat
wilkristin: RT @simonsema via @alimerifield: Stats Confirm It 30% of African farmers have access 2 road. let's make most of trips into town! #SocEntChat
ideasforafrica: NGOs need 2 beware of temporary infrastructure solutions w/o offering communities means of upkeep: Ex: http://tinyurl.com/kunhjx #SocEntChat
solarfund: SELF is working with @PIH_org in #Burundi on #health clinics: http://bit.ly/103scp #SocEntChat
tomjd: RT @ideasforafrica: NGOs need 2 beware of temporary infrastructure w/o offering means of upkeep: Ex: http://tinyurl.com/kunhjx #SocEntChat
wilkristin: @simonsema Interesting that Kaushlendra is already working on venture in H20 from knowledge in farming. A serial soc entrprnr #SocEntChat
DawsonBridger: RT @changemakers -Idea here: http://bit.ly/IM8Gf Access to rural land leads to increased income generation through cultivation. #SocEntChat
simonsema: @carboncredit @greenbloggers on markets: we are also seeing demand in the west change reality on the ground for african farmers #SocEntChat
simonsema: @alimerifield commented only 30% of African farmers have access 2 road. i say we need to make the most of trips into town! #SocEntChat
pcorpsconnect: Happening now- join in to offer thoughts! RT @AshokaTweets: Today's #SocEntChat topic is Rural Innovation in Africa & India.
aim2run: #SocEntChat ck out Embraceglobal.org for their efforts in combatting infant mortality in India thru innovative design of an incubator
tomjd: Key issue seems to be sequencing of infrastructure improvements. What should come first given limited budgets? #SocEntChat
simonsema: @issafrica interesting chat going on now. starting to see a vision 4the future of farming-not $$ but networks, tech &knowledge #SocEntChat
tomjd: RT @simonsema: interesting chat going on. starting to see a vision 4 the future of farming-not $$ but networks, tech &knowledge #SocEntChat
ideasforafrica: Ideas on Water Resources are being discussed in detail by Africans and Development Professionals at ARC http://bit.ly/arcideas #SocEntChat
tomjd: RT @EGlue: PSA TIME: Check out http://www.AfricaRuralConnect.org We want your ideas! Africa needs your ideas. - V relevant to #SocEntChat
wilkristin: RT @simonsema via @alimerifield: Stats Confirm It 30% of African farmers have access 2 road. let's make most of trips into town! #SocEntChat
Question 3
Given the difficulty of connecting to people in remote and rural areas, how can we find the best innovations?
simonsema: so trends like knowing where food comes from and who the producers are place more value on the knowledge of farmers & r great! #SocEntChat
ideasforafrica: RE Q3: Involving locals is a must- people such as Peace Corps Vols offer insight to local conditions and access to local people- #SocEntChat
wilkristin: many innovations traced to sharing best practices + networks, link up w/ biz, religious, community leaders key. Also, trace food #SocEntChat
tomjd: RT @simonsema: v few rural ppl are completely rural. need 2 visit markets + aunties in town. dont need 2live on farm 2see links #SocEntChat
gbengasesan: @ideas4africa True, the days of assuming that solution knowledge can do without local contextualization is over. Participation! #SocEntChat
simonsema: RE Q3: savvy social entrepreneurs have linked with companies with large rural distribution networks. think coke or four comps. #SocEntChat
ChangemakersAfr: For Cultivating Innovation comp we sourced indivs from local NGOs w/ ready access 2 knowledge & resources from the ground level #SocEntChat
tomjd: RT @gbengasesan: The days of assuming that solution knowledge can do without local contextualization is over. Participation! #SocEntChat
wilkristin: @simonsema aside: speaking as urban consumer in DC, I pay for access + relationship w/ farmer over food itself through CSA share #SocEntChat
indabamf: RE: Q3 For funders, what are clues that an organization is actually involving local insight & not just paying lip service to it? #SocEntChat
simonsema: @indabamf lots of orgs we work withfind their best employees are previous beneficiaries - best ambassadors, in-the-loop, passion #SocEntChat
simonsema: @indabamf i'd be worried if the only place 4locals is in lining up for handouts. look at who they employ. #SocEntChat
simonsema: @indabamf & Ashoka CLEARLY believes in the value of a strong entrepreneurial leader with a compelling personal story/connection #SocEntChat
wilkristin: @indabamf Hard to believe an org can be effective w/o respect of local people. Look to extent which local values shape mission #SocEntChat
simonsema: RE Q3: local languages! ninafikiri ni muhimu sana kutumia lugha ya afrika kama kiswa tunapofanya kazi mashambani #SocEntChat
tomjd: RT @simonsema: we imagine huge gaps between rural and urban that arent there. farms feed cities. prob: 2 easy 2 forget farmers #SocEntChat
ideasforafrica: @indabamt- Org should be aware of &/or working w/ NGOs in area- lack of NGO collab= overlap, inefficiency,etc- Kabissa.org helps #SocEntChat
HeatherLaGarde: RT @gbengasesan: @ideas4africa True, the days of assuming solution knowledge can do w/out local context is over. Participation! #SocEntChat
simonsema: @indabamf a south african Fellow has come up with a really great way to rate and invest in social enterprises. www.sasix.co.za/ #SocEntChat
VanuatuVanessa: RE Q3 - look at sustainable energy. Phone co in Vanuatu provides solar panels to charge mobile phones, no need for power grid. #SocEntChat
ideasforafrica: RE Q3: Involving locals is a must- people such as Peace Corps Vols offer insight to local conditions and access to local people- #SocEntChat
wilkristin: many innovations traced to sharing best practices + networks, link up w/ biz, religious, community leaders key. Also, trace food #SocEntChat
tomjd: RT @simonsema: v few rural ppl are completely rural. need 2 visit markets + aunties in town. dont need 2live on farm 2see links #SocEntChat
gbengasesan: @ideas4africa True, the days of assuming that solution knowledge can do without local contextualization is over. Participation! #SocEntChat
simonsema: RE Q3: savvy social entrepreneurs have linked with companies with large rural distribution networks. think coke or four comps. #SocEntChat
ChangemakersAfr: For Cultivating Innovation comp we sourced indivs from local NGOs w/ ready access 2 knowledge & resources from the ground level #SocEntChat
tomjd: RT @gbengasesan: The days of assuming that solution knowledge can do without local contextualization is over. Participation! #SocEntChat
wilkristin: @simonsema aside: speaking as urban consumer in DC, I pay for access + relationship w/ farmer over food itself through CSA share #SocEntChat
indabamf: RE: Q3 For funders, what are clues that an organization is actually involving local insight & not just paying lip service to it? #SocEntChat
simonsema: @indabamf lots of orgs we work withfind their best employees are previous beneficiaries - best ambassadors, in-the-loop, passion #SocEntChat
simonsema: @indabamf i'd be worried if the only place 4locals is in lining up for handouts. look at who they employ. #SocEntChat
simonsema: @indabamf & Ashoka CLEARLY believes in the value of a strong entrepreneurial leader with a compelling personal story/connection #SocEntChat
wilkristin: @indabamf Hard to believe an org can be effective w/o respect of local people. Look to extent which local values shape mission #SocEntChat
simonsema: RE Q3: local languages! ninafikiri ni muhimu sana kutumia lugha ya afrika kama kiswa tunapofanya kazi mashambani #SocEntChat
tomjd: RT @simonsema: we imagine huge gaps between rural and urban that arent there. farms feed cities. prob: 2 easy 2 forget farmers #SocEntChat
ideasforafrica: @indabamt- Org should be aware of &/or working w/ NGOs in area- lack of NGO collab= overlap, inefficiency,etc- Kabissa.org helps #SocEntChat
HeatherLaGarde: RT @gbengasesan: @ideas4africa True, the days of assuming solution knowledge can do w/out local context is over. Participation! #SocEntChat
simonsema: @indabamf a south african Fellow has come up with a really great way to rate and invest in social enterprises. www.sasix.co.za/ #SocEntChat
VanuatuVanessa: RE Q3 - look at sustainable energy. Phone co in Vanuatu provides solar panels to charge mobile phones, no need for power grid. #SocEntChat
Question 4
How can women play a greater role in driving rural innovation?
ideasforafrica: Women supply 80% of food in Africa- yet recieve little land rights and say in decisions--- need to target them in projects #SocEntChat
indabamf: When you arent in the inner circles yet & a philanthropist looking 2 do good, its still a challenge 2 evaluate who is effective. #SocEntChat
simonsema: @AshokaTweets @ideasforafrica @indabamt - org should understand the roleS of women & implications if prod goes up, for exmaple. #SocEntChat
ChangemakersAfr: @ideasforafrica very true! think you'll like this project about women's land rights in West Bengal #SocEntChat http://bit.ly/IM8Gf
ideasforafrica: Co-ops, training, education, etc aimed at rural women can help empower them in their communities #SocEntChat
jchou: RE Q4 http://sheinnovates.com/ is a great ex: filling real need + enterprise +empowerment = for women by women systems approach #SocEntChat
wilkristin: look @ solutions in related areas i.e. maternal health & violence agnst women. Adapt to rural cntxt. Example http://bit.ly/G1PMO (expand ) #SocEntChat
ideasforafrica: Another KEY: Microfinancing loans 2 rural women for business - women more likely to pay back and use $ for poverty reduction #SocEntChat
simonsema: @jchou this looks great. And i'm a sucker for an org with a great name. SHE. thanks for sharing! #SocEntChat
jchou: @simonsema any time. (they're an @echoinggreen fellow.. brilliant! ) #SocEntChat
simonsema: @ideasforafrica & better if ucan repay on a schedule modeled after harvest cycles & start savings plans 4more costly inputs #SocEntChat
jchou: Also, RE Q4 perhaps more of a push for the next african Einstein to be a Ms.? http://www.nexteinstein.org/ #SocEntChat
ideasforafrica: WB Int'l Finance Corp. says: women own abt 48% of enterprises in Africa. But have least access to finance.-Microfinance helps #SocEntChat
jchou: microfunding is advancing too ex: direct connection through sms to the person you're funding http://www.mobilemovement.tv/ #SocEntChat
ideasforafrica: You can find a nexus between mobile tech, microfinance, and local involvement w/ idea from @CreditSMS on http://bit.ly/arcideas (expand ) #SocEntChat
simonsema: @ideasforafrica ashoka fellows ~50% women.all leading social ents. at the very top, this sector is 1of the most gender balanced! #SocEntChat
ideagiant: #socentchat we must be careful to think that pure ent. will lead to some utopic dream. It must be ran by reflective value systems
ideagiant: #socentchat if financing, solely, were the key then America wld not have issues-focusing 2 directly on this aspect will lead 2 USA probs
jchou: @ideagiant couldn't agree more.. no such thing as a panacea. #SocEntChat
ideagiant: Word RT @wilkristin: look @ solutions in related areas i.e. maternal health Adapt to rural cntxt. Example http://bit.ly/G1PMO #SocEntChat
ideasforafrica: good point @ideagiant- maybe nonprofit microfinancing institutions would have more value-oriented oversight and evaluation? - #SocEntChat
Lizaf: #SocEntChat - very interesting to follow- check it out
nimeshsharma: @AshokaTweets #SocEntChat Q4. Empowrng thm with educn, financs. MFI network cud help here. Www.10000women.org mite help
ideagiant: @ideasforafrica #socentchat Yes. circumstances are variable, what was good ystday, bad today, that's why a reflective value systm is a must.
ideagiant: #socentchat if we focus only on systems we are not seeing what drives them-Value Foundation. Then we think systems are static-dangerous
rymull: @AshokaTweets #socentchat check out Climate Healers, building solar stoves to end poverty/climate change: http://bit.ly/9p5jy
paconmiller: RT @ideasforafrica suggests expanding questionbox & other tech in Africa on the Africa Rural Connect: http://tinyurl.com/mp764d #SocEntChat
RDI_Land: RT @ideasforafrica Women supply 80% of food in Africa yet receive little land rights and say in decisions--- need to target them #SocEntChat
kabissa: RT @ideasforafrica Org should b aware of &or working w/ NGOs in area. lack of NGO collab=overlap,inefficiency,etc Kabissa helps #SocEntChat
indabamf: When you arent in the inner circles yet & a philanthropist looking 2 do good, its still a challenge 2 evaluate who is effective. #SocEntChat
simonsema: @AshokaTweets @ideasforafrica @indabamt - org should understand the roleS of women & implications if prod goes up, for exmaple. #SocEntChat
ChangemakersAfr: @ideasforafrica very true! think you'll like this project about women's land rights in West Bengal #SocEntChat http://bit.ly/IM8Gf
ideasforafrica: Co-ops, training, education, etc aimed at rural women can help empower them in their communities #SocEntChat
jchou: RE Q4 http://sheinnovates.com/ is a great ex: filling real need + enterprise +empowerment = for women by women systems approach #SocEntChat
wilkristin: look @ solutions in related areas i.e. maternal health & violence agnst women. Adapt to rural cntxt. Example http://bit.ly/G1PMO (expand ) #SocEntChat
ideasforafrica: Another KEY: Microfinancing loans 2 rural women for business - women more likely to pay back and use $ for poverty reduction #SocEntChat
simonsema: @jchou this looks great. And i'm a sucker for an org with a great name. SHE. thanks for sharing! #SocEntChat
jchou: @simonsema any time. (they're an @echoinggreen fellow.. brilliant! ) #SocEntChat
simonsema: @ideasforafrica & better if ucan repay on a schedule modeled after harvest cycles & start savings plans 4more costly inputs #SocEntChat
jchou: Also, RE Q4 perhaps more of a push for the next african Einstein to be a Ms.? http://www.nexteinstein.org/ #SocEntChat
ideasforafrica: WB Int'l Finance Corp. says: women own abt 48% of enterprises in Africa. But have least access to finance.-Microfinance helps #SocEntChat
jchou: microfunding is advancing too ex: direct connection through sms to the person you're funding http://www.mobilemovement.tv/ #SocEntChat
ideasforafrica: You can find a nexus between mobile tech, microfinance, and local involvement w/ idea from @CreditSMS on http://bit.ly/arcideas (expand ) #SocEntChat
simonsema: @ideasforafrica ashoka fellows ~50% women.all leading social ents. at the very top, this sector is 1of the most gender balanced! #SocEntChat
ideagiant: #socentchat we must be careful to think that pure ent. will lead to some utopic dream. It must be ran by reflective value systems
ideagiant: #socentchat if financing, solely, were the key then America wld not have issues-focusing 2 directly on this aspect will lead 2 USA probs
jchou: @ideagiant couldn't agree more.. no such thing as a panacea. #SocEntChat
ideagiant: Word RT @wilkristin: look @ solutions in related areas i.e. maternal health Adapt to rural cntxt. Example http://bit.ly/G1PMO #SocEntChat
ideasforafrica: good point @ideagiant- maybe nonprofit microfinancing institutions would have more value-oriented oversight and evaluation? - #SocEntChat
Lizaf: #SocEntChat - very interesting to follow- check it out
nimeshsharma: @AshokaTweets #SocEntChat Q4. Empowrng thm with educn, financs. MFI network cud help here. Www.10000women.org mite help
ideagiant: @ideasforafrica #socentchat Yes. circumstances are variable, what was good ystday, bad today, that's why a reflective value systm is a must.
ideagiant: #socentchat if we focus only on systems we are not seeing what drives them-Value Foundation. Then we think systems are static-dangerous
rymull: @AshokaTweets #socentchat check out Climate Healers, building solar stoves to end poverty/climate change: http://bit.ly/9p5jy
paconmiller: RT @ideasforafrica suggests expanding questionbox & other tech in Africa on the Africa Rural Connect: http://tinyurl.com/mp764d #SocEntChat
RDI_Land: RT @ideasforafrica Women supply 80% of food in Africa yet receive little land rights and say in decisions--- need to target them #SocEntChat
kabissa: RT @ideasforafrica Org should b aware of &or working w/ NGOs in area. lack of NGO collab=overlap,inefficiency,etc Kabissa helps #SocEntChat
by AshokaSquid
Ashoka is the world's leading community organization of over 2,000 social entrepreneurs. We champion the newest and most important social change by su... (more)
Explore related pages
Meerkats- Meerkats are adorable mammals in the mongoose family. The mongoose family consis...
Cool News- Every morning, at about six o'clock, we prepare a digest of the two most interes...
Philadelphia- Welcome to Philadelphia. The fifth largest city in the United States has everyth...
Dave Friedel- Hi. I’m Dave. I am a user experience (UX) designer, technology architect,...
Vervet Monkeys - Facts & Fallacies From Umpalazi/APES- The information on this lens can be found at http://www.apes.org.za/facts.htm an...
Collaboration literacy in Northern Uganda- BOSCO-Uganda is an international NGO dedicated to ending the isolation the Achol...
