In response to the growing risk of abandonment in rural areas, the SOFAR project has been initiated to rejuvenate these regions by diversifying agricultural activities, with a specific focus on creating opportunities for young women. The project seeks to cultivate a new generation of social agripreneurs through a collaboration between universities and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The core objective of SOFAR is to develop essential skills and competencies among a dedicated group, termed as social agripreneurship catalysts. These catalysts will be instrumental in advocating and embedding the concept of social agripreneurship into university curricula and NGO adult education programs, thereby enhancing learning and employment prospects for women and other disadvantaged groups in rural areas.
Upcoming Event
The inaugural transnational partnership meeting of Project SOFAR is set to take place in Würzburg, Germany, from the 27th to the 30th of May, 2024. Hosted by our partner, Viktoria Lofner Meir, this meeting promises to be a significant event, featuring insightful visits to social farms within the Bavarian region. The agenda, meticulously prepared by Viktoria, will facilitate discussions on the research conducted to date, including an analysis of existing literature and good practices observed across different countries, as well as interviews with key stakeholders and practitioners.
Goals of the Meeting
This gathering will allow partners to assess the progress made in defining the competencies crucial yet underdeveloped in social farming—these will subsequently shape the training priorities within the project. The discussions are expected to refine the descriptors of social agripreneurship that will guide the further implementation of the project. Furthermore, this collaboration will result in a comprehensive matrix outlining critical competencies, forming the basis for recommended training programmes to be integrated into university curriculums and ongoing education modules.
Looking Ahead
We anticipate that the upcoming meeting will underscore the positive outcomes achieved so far and further energize our collaborative efforts. By aligning educational resources with the needs of rural revitalization, SOFAR aims to foster an environment where women and disadvantaged learners can thrive as agents of change in their communities.
The SOFAR project stands as a beacon of innovation and hope for rural areas, promising a future where education and entrepreneurship converge to create sustainable growth and development.