Tunis: A study by the Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights (FTDES) on the role of the solidarity and social economy in the regions (Kasserine governorate as an example) has shown that social investment has a positive impact on the number of development associations and the number of projects financed, thus contributing to the social inclusion of marginalised groups, job creation and the reduction of social inequalities.
At a conference held in Tunis to present the results of this study, Sana Nakir, Professor of Sociology at the Higher Institute of Applied Studies in Humanities of Tunis and author of the study, explained that the solidarity and social economy plays a crucial and fundamental role in the creation of economic and social value, as an alternative cooperative model in which support institutions and social enterprises participate in local development and the social stability of regions.
She pointed out that the study began with a survey of the main strengths and weaknesses of development s
upport institutions in the Kasserine region and an analysis of institutions linked to the social economy, which are divided into three main types: mutual societies, cooperatives and associations.
The speaker noted the existence of several institutions and development support structures in this governorate, classified as the poorest in the country with three delegations where the poverty rate exceeds 50%, “which makes it a very suitable context for the social economy”, she said.
She added that the main problem or weakness is the absence of a structure dedicated to the direct support of solidarity and social enterprises, or of a banking institution offering specific financing and support to these enterprises.
The study focused on development associations that aim to improve and promote sustainable economic and social development and improve living conditions, using a structural methodology based on artificial intelligence.
It concluded that social investment in the Kasserine governorate is positively influe
nced (90%) by the number of development associations (13) and the number of projects funded, thus contributing to the social inclusion of marginalised groups, job creation and the reduction of social inequalities in the region.
Sana Nakir praised the wealth of associations in Kasserine, active in various fields such as culture, the arts, science and the environment. However, she noted the lack of targeted and effective action by associations in certain areas, such as the fight against poverty.
A second study, on a cooperative model in Kasserine, the “Al-Wafaa” agricultural services cooperative, showed that this model, which brings together 187 farmers, has succeeded in improving value chains at all levels: economic, social, technical, commercial, financial and managerial.
In economic terms, the project has helped to generate wealth, increase production and productivity and create jobs (20 women out of 35 workers), thereby strengthening women’s economic empowerment.
From a commercial point of view, the div
ersification of production and capturing new markets and customers (the Italian market) have been achieved following the renewal of packaging.
She added that the modernisation of production tools and the reorganisation of workplaces had improved commercial and financial indicators, increased profitability and generated significant profits, as well as improving management.
Sana Nakir stressed that agricultural cooperatives in the region have contributed to revitalising the regional economy, improving indicators, reducing social inequalities, reducing the cost of raw materials and facilitating competitiveness, while achieving the main objective of improving people’s living conditions.
Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse