Community-based family enterprise and sustainable development in rural Sri Lanka

ABSTRACT

This paper proposes a novel theoretical model for the community-based enterprise, which could assist in achieving UN sustainable development goals within craft communities in developing nations. This model focuses on building enterprise skills in vulnerable communities, sustaining traditional crafts and strengthening community capacity for self-determination. This article distills qualitative data from case studies, participatory action research workshops and field observations within traditional handloom craft communities in Sri Lanka. It explores the prevailing status of community-based entrepreneurship practices and argues that under current practices, entrepreneurial culture is not deeply embedded in community life, leading young people to move away from the traditional way of life and damaging the cohesion of traditional communities. This study establishes the need to sustain levels of social capital, support family networks, and encourage innovation to develop enterprise in craft communities. We recommend various strategies for overcoming structural and socio-cultural barriers to enterprise and to establish community-based sustainable development.

KEYWORDS:

• Sustainable community development
• Community-based entrepreneurship
• Family
• Innovation mix
• Social status

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Thushari Wanniarachchi

Thushari Wanniarachchi is a senior lecturer in the Department of Textile & Apparel Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, where she served for 23 years. Furthermore, she served for 2 years in the Sri Lankan Apparel industry. She received his B Sc. Engineering degree (Specialized in Textile & Clothing Engineering) from the University of Moratuwa and completed her MPhil degree in Management of Technology from the same university. She is an expert in sustainable fashion and apparel technology. Her research interest is in the sustainable craft business promotion and craft community development. Currently, she ispursuing her Ph.D. research project on ‘Sustainable business model to uphold Sri Lankan handloom industry’.

D. G. K. Dissanayake

D. G K. Dissanayake is an expert in sustainable fashion and textiles and currently working as a senior lecturer at the Department of Textile & Clothing Technology, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka. Her research interests include the role of craft in promoting sustainable fashion and locally based production and consumption models.

Carolyn Downs

Carolyn Downs is a senior lecturer at Lancaster University, UK. She leads EU-funded research into enterprise development in communities vulnerable to social exclusion and innovation in micro enterprises. She is currently leading the CASCADE project, which works with craft and artisan enterprises to develop closed-loop manufacturing, design innovations and digital marketing. She also works on community wealth-building initiatives and digital exclusion projects.