STAR Community Empowerment Award
The STAR Community Empowerment Award is a prestigious recognition presented by the STAR society, aimed at acknowledging and celebrating the exceptional contributions of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs), Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) or institutions that have played a pivotal role in sustainable agriculture development, livelihood security, uplifting and empowering rural communities . This award is designed to highlight and promote efforts that have made a tangible impact on the lives of small and marginal farmers through collective action, sustainable practices, and community-led initiatives.
Objectives:
- Promote Empowerment Initiatives: Recognize organizations or institutions that have significantly contributed to enhancing the capacity and empowerment of farmers by promoting self-reliance, leadership, and community cohesion.
- Encourage Sustainable Agricultural Practices: Reward efforts that have successfully integrated sustainable and environmentally-friendly agricultural practices into the farming systems of smallholders, contributing to long-term agricultural productivity and environmental conservation.
- Support Economic Growth in Rural Areas: Honor organizations that have enabled farmers to improve their economic status by providing access to markets, enhancing value chains, or introducing innovative financial models that benefit local communities.
- Foster Social Inclusion and Collaboration: Highlight the role of FPOs, FPCs, NGOs, or institutions that have created inclusive structures, ensuring that marginalized groups such as women, youth, and small-scale farmers are involved in decision-making and leadership.
- Inspire Collective Action: Showcase models of collective action where farmers and communities have come together to pool resources, share knowledge, and work towards common goals, leading to enhanced productivity and resilience.
Eligibility Criteria:
The award is open to:
- Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs): Cooperatives or collectives formed by small and marginal farmers to manage resources, production, and market access.
Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs): Legally recognized companies formed by farmers to carry out production, marketing, and other related business activities on a large scale.Institutions: Organizations, NGOs, or other bodies working directly with rural farmers or communities in agriculture and allied sectors, aiming to empower and uplift local livelihoods.
Selection Process:
- Nomination: Nominations can be made by members of the STAR society, academic institutions, research organizations, government bodies, and other relevant stakeholders. Self-nominations are also accepted.
- 2. Evaluation: A committee of experts in agriculture and allied fields will be formed by the STAR society to evaluate the nominations. The evaluation will be based on:
- Community Impact: The degree to which the FPO, FPC, or institution has contributed to improving the social and economic well-being of the rural community it serves. This could include increased incomes, enhanced access to resources, or better market integration.
- Innovation and Leadership: The organization’s capacity to innovate in agricultural practices, business models, or social organization, and its leadership role in promoting sustainable and scalable solutions for rural empowerment.
- Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship: Initiatives that demonstrate a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, including the adoption of practices that promote resource conservation, biodiversity, and climate resilience in agriculture.
- Capacity Building and Knowledge Transfer: The extent to which the organization has invested in the development of skills, knowledge, and resources within the community, enabling farmers to make informed decisions and adopt best practices in agriculture.
- Collaboration and Partnerships: Efforts made to collaborate with various stakeholders, including government bodies, financial institutions, research organizations, or private sector entities, to create a more supportive and integrated ecosystem for agricultural development.
- Selection: After the evaluation, the awardee will be chosen through consensus by the committee, with final approval from the STAR society’s leadership.
Frequency:
The Award will be given annually, ensuring that each year an institution who has made an exceptional contribution is recognized
Award Presentation:
The award will be presented at the STAR society’s conference or a specially organized event attended by dignitaries, researchers, educators, and stakeholders from the agricultural and relevant sector.
Award Components:
The award recipient will receive a memento, a citation, and a certificate of recognition.
The opportunity to present their work at the national STAR conference, providing a platform for knowledge sharing and networking with key stakeholders in agriculture.
Potential access to support networks or partnerships through the STAR society's network, offering further opportunities for growth and expansion.
STAR Society's Commitment:
Through this award, the STAR society aims to champion the transformative role of farmer-led organizations and institutions in achieving inclusive, equitable, and sustainable rural development. Moreover, It aligns with national and global goals of poverty alleviation, food security, and sustainable development, contributing to the overall advancement of the agriculture sector.
