In Sri Lanka, agriculture employs over 25% of the population, yet many farmers struggle to receive fair prices due to reliance on middlemen. To address this challenge, E-Silk Route Ventures has developed the Silk Social Index (SSI), an innovative system designed to measure social impact and enhance traditional Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practices.
Understanding the Silk Social Index
The SSI quantifies the social value generated by consumer purchases, promoting transparency in the agricultural supply chain. It follows guidelines from the European Venture Philanthropy Association (EVPA) and the 9 Pillars of Prosperity from the Legatum Institute.
Key Objectives
The SSI focuses on:
- Uplifting Small-Scale Farmers: Enhancing livelihoods and reducing poverty.
- Elevating Prosperity: Improving social progress in Sri Lanka.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Engaging all participants in the value chain.
Theory of Change
Our Theory of Change outlines how to address poverty among rural farmers through direct trade, resources, and community engagement, aiming to improve living standards and overall prosperity.
Stakeholder Engagement
Direct and indirect stakeholders, including farmers, consumers, and investors, play crucial roles in this initiative. Their involvement will help us gather data and understand community needs.
Measuring Impact
We aim to track key outcomes such as:
- Improved living standards for farmers.
- Increased trade competitiveness.
- Enhanced economic inclusiveness.
Using qualitative and quantitative methods, we will aggregate data to create the Silk Social Index, which measures the social impact of consumer purchases.
Conclusion
The Silk Social Index is a pioneering approach to measuring social impact in Sri Lanka's agriculture sector. By engaging stakeholders and focusing on transparency, we aim to empower small-scale farmers and create a more equitable agricultural ecosystem. With the SSI, every purchase contributes to a brighter future for farmers and their communities.