Backpack Farm is one social business that is attempting to shift the way things have been done, that is, the way the West approaches Africa, primarily through a vision of conflict and aid. Instead, founder Rachel Zedeck, sees entrepreneurship as a viable opportunity.
"As part of the Suganic family of initiatives, the Backpack Farm facilitates income generation, human resources development, capacity building training, enhanced nutrition models, gender equality, conservation farming and water management techniques to stabilize both food and human security models in Africa’s developing economies," the company says on its website about the holistic program that focuses on women and girls through its model.
Zedeck has worked in many so-called post-conflict countries such as Kenya, Southern Sudan, Iraq, Kosovo and Jordan, where she encouraged social entrepreneurship initiatives. The organization was a 2010 SEED AWARDs winner.
Contact Information
Backpack Farm website
Backpack Farm on Facebook
Backpack Farm on Twitter
Women-Focused Eco Programs
Backpack Farm is an African-Based Entrepreneurship Supporter
Trend Themes
1. Entrepreneurship for Women in Developing Countries - The Backpack Farm's holistic program focuses on income generation, capacity building training, gender equality, and human resources development to provide entrepreneurial opportunities for women in developing countries.
2. Sustainable Agriculture - Backpack Farm's conservation farming and water management techniques promote sustainable agriculture in Africa's developing economies.
3. Social Entrepreneurship in Post-conflict Countries - Founder Rachel Zedeck's work in post-conflict countries like Kenya, Southern Sudan, Iraq, Kosovo, and Jordan highlights potential opportunities for social entrepreneurship in those regions.
Industry Implications
1. Non-profit / Charity - The Backpack Farm's mission to stabilize food and human security models in African economies positions it well in the non-profit/charity industry.
2. Agriculture / Farming - Backpack Farm's conservation farming and water management techniques offer disruptive innovation opportunities in the agriculture/farming industry.
3. Education / Training - The Backpack Farm's capacity building training and focus on women and girls provides potential opportunities for innovation in education and training.