Lead Partner: New Economics Foundation
Description
This strategic partnership between Carnegie and nef (the new economics foundation) examines issues surrounding social and economic disadvantage and asset based approaches to rural community development. As highlighted by the work of the Carnegie Commission for Rural Community Development, rural disadvantage is most likely to be associated with remote areas,
where individuals struggle to construct a viable livelihood by engaging in a number of economic activities. There are some indications that with the on-going changes in the agricultural sector associated with globalisation and EU policy reform, such rural ‘job juggling’ is fast becoming the norm, and this development raises important questions regarding the most appropriate ways that these strategies can be supported and strengthened. In this context, questions around the life aspirations and livelihood prospects of young people in rural areas become particularly compelling.
Building on the vision articulated by the Commission, nef is providing a new framework for thinking about rural economies, drawing on concepts from the science of ecology. Thus, rural economies, like complex ecological systems, can be seen in terms of different types of relationships between both individuals and enterprises (e.g. competitive, complimentary, symbiotic); and through system diversity, dynamics and resilience.
This work looks at how different economic and social policies and
processes impact on and work through local communities in rural areas in England to constrain (and/or support) the development of viable livelihoods. nef is focusing particularly on rural areas in England, young people and individuals in work, including the self-employed, who are struggling against disadvantage. Ultimately this work seeks to identify practical steps that can be taken (in relation to policies, institutions, skills, and community action) to more actively support the development of such multi-strand livelihoods
Contact Details
Jessica Sellick 3 Jonathan Street, London, SE11 5NH T: 020 7820 6300 E: Jessica.sellick@neweconomics.orgWebsite: http://www.neweconomics.org