JGP Special Seminar (Division of Natural Resource Economics English Lecture Series No.7): “The Role of Social and Solidarity Economy in Developing Countries: The Experience of Tanzania” (2019.2.1)

On the 1st of February 2019, the Division of Natural Resource Economics will be holding a special seminar entitled “The Role of Social and Solidarity Economy in Developing Countries: The Experience of Tanzania” presented by Prof. Faustine K. Bee from Moshi Co-operative University, Tanzania as part of the Japan Gateway: Kyoto University Top Global Program (JGP) and also as part of the Division of Natural Resource Economics English Lecture Series.

All interested students and faculty are welcome to attend!!

[Title]

The Role of Social and Solidarity Economy in Developing Countries: The Experience of Tanzania

[Speaker]

Prof. Faustine K. Bee

Prof. Faustine K. Bee is Vice Chancellor and Professor of Development Economics at Moshi Co-operative University, Tanzania. He holds a PhD in development studies from the University of South Africa. His main research interests include agricultural cooperative development, agricultural policy changes, rural financial markets, and social and solidarity economy in developing countries, particularly in Tanzania.

[Abstract]

Today there is a growing consensus that Social and Solidarity Economy (SSEs) play significant roles in socio-economic, cultural, and political development globally. Consequently, many countries world over as well as bilateral organizations – including the International Labor Organizations (ILO) – are advocating promotion of SSE as an alternative and an inclusive development strategy. The SSE have been defined in varied ways, but for the purposes of this presentation SSE briefly refers to specific forms of organizations and enterprises – formal and informal – that includes co-operatives, associations, mutual benefits societies, community based organizations, social enterprises and foundations. They are distinct organizations that share certain commonalities which distinguish them from public sector and profit oriented enterprises. In some literature these are also referred to as the “fourth sector”, “Non-Profit Organizations”, or “popular economy”, among others.

In this presentation, we will attempt to discuss the role of SSEs in socio-economic development in developing countries by drawing experiences from Tanzania. The paper identifies five forms of SSEs that actively operate in Tanzania, namely Co-operatives, NGOs, Associations, Foundations and Community based Organizations. The paper notes that all these forms of SSEs are playing critical roles in the advancement of both economic and social development of individuals, communities, and the nation as a whole through contribution to local development and poverty reduction, employment creation, provision of social services and environmental protection, improved access to financial services, and social protection, and advancement of human rights. Furthermore, they facilitate the promotion of democratic practices and good governance that are critical elements in advancing human rights and promoting human justice. These are also relevant development agenda for the Global Agenda 2030 – the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The future of SSEs is bright given the growing socio-economic and political crises in the contemporary world. For this reason, developing countries ought to create conducive environment for the growth of SSEs and for them to operate effectively within the national legal and socially acceptable frameworks. However, SSEs also experiences some problems and challenges as well.

Key words: Social and Solidarity Economy, Co-operatives, associations, Social and Economy, Developing countries, and Tanzania.

[Time & Date]

13:00 – 14:30 on February 1 (Friday), 2019

[Venue]

Room E-217, Faculty of Agriculture Main Bldg.

Click  here  for a map of the venue.

[Language]

English

[Chair]

Prof. Hideyuki Tsujimura, Division of Natural Resource Economics, GSA.

[Contact]

Makoto KURODA, Assistant Teaching Staff, Division of Natural Resource Economics, Graduate School of Agriculture

E-mail: kuroda.makoto.6a@kyoto-u.ac.jp

Extension: 6181

Please click here to see the flyer in PDF.

 

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