About Us
The Global Centre for Rural Entrepreneurship and Livelihood (GCREL) stems from the critical need to bolster rural economies, uplift livelihoods, and foster entrepreneurship in rural areas. Rural populations often face challenges such as limited access to resources, lack of economic opportunities, and inadequate infrastructure. There’s a growing need to promote sustainable rural development that enhances the well-being of rural communities.
Mission
The mission of GCREL is to empower rural individuals and communities with the skills, resources, and support needed to create and sustain livelihoods through entrepreneurial ventures. The center aims to be a catalyst for rural transformation, promoting innovation, capacity-building, and economic growth in rural areas worldwide.
Vision
GCREL envisions thriving rural communities where individuals have the means to generate income, improve their quality of life, and contribute to the overall development of their regions. The center strives to be a global hub for rural entrepreneurship and livelihood promotion.
Objectives
• Entrepreneurship Education: GCREL focuses on providing education and training in entrepreneurship, equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills required to start and manage successful ventures.
• Livelihood Diversification: The center supports the diversification of rural livelihoods by encouraging the exploration of various income-generating activities, reducing dependency on a single source of income.
• Access to Resources: GCREL facilitates access to financial resources, technology, markets, and other essential resources that are often lacking in rural areas.
• Innovation and Creativity: The center promotes innovation in rural entrepreneurship, encouraging individuals to identify and pursue unique business opportunities that cater to local needs and preferences.
• Value Chain Development: GCREL focuses on strengthening value chains in rural sectors, connecting producers to markets and improving the efficiency of production, processing, and distribution.
• Capacity Building: The center provides capacity-building programs that enhance the managerial, technical, and leadership skills of rural entrepreneurs, enabling them to navigate challenges effectively.
• Sustainable Practices: GCREL advocates for environmentally and socially sustainable business practices in rural entrepreneurship, promoting responsible and ethical approaches.
• Networking and Collaboration: The center facilitates networking and collaboration among rural entrepreneurs, fostering the exchange of ideas, knowledge, and experiences.
• Financial Inclusion: GCREL works to promote financial inclusion in rural areas, ensuring that entrepreneurs have access to banking services, credit, and financial literacy resources.
• Women’s Empowerment: The center emphasizes the empowerment of women in rural entrepreneurship, recognizing their vital role and contributions in rural economies.
• Market Linkages: GCREL establishes linkages between rural entrepreneurs and markets, helping them connect with buyers, distributors, and consumers.
• Policy Advocacy: The center advocates for policies that support rural entrepreneurship and livelihood promotion, creating an enabling environment for sustainable rural development.
In summary, the Global Centre for Rural Entrepreneurship and Livelihood (GCREL) addresses the need for rural economic empowerment. Its mission is to empower rural individuals through entrepreneurship and livelihood initiatives, its vision is thriving rural communities, and its objectives encompass entrepreneurship education, livelihood diversification, resource access, innovation, value chain development, capacity building, sustainable practices, networking, financial inclusion, women’s empowerment, market linkages, and policy advocacy.
