Development Assistance for Rural Enterprise
The objective of DARE is to help communities in Northern Kenya establish environmentally sustainable enterprise. We know that people here have the talent and vision to lift themselves out of poverty. What they often lack are the skills and knowledge to compete in a western driven economy. DARE works from the ground up, assisting people to develop their own ideas, tailoring the support it gives to each unique set of circumstances.
Currently we are working on several projects with pastoralist communities in Isiolo District. We are helping these communities to establish alternative sources of income and increase their ability to weather the loss of livelihood through drought, disease or violent raids.
The Need
Northern Kenya is a semi arid environment. The people who live here traditionally practice nomadic pastoralism, a harsh way of life but one that is well suited to this environment. However, a combination of population increase, competition for scarce resources, and climate change is making this traditional livelihood less and less viable. With each drought more and more people become permanently locked into the food aid system. If communities can develop alternative livelihoods, through trade, tourism or innovative land use they can avoid the aid trap and be masters of their own development.
Background
DARE grew out of MSc research into communities in Kenya that had set up ecotourism projects. The results showed that most projects failed through a lack of basic skills and an understanding of how the western world “worked”. The people were enthusiastic and very adaptable but the agencies that had funded the projects had neglected to provide basic training. The communities were expected to run before they could walk.
DARE intends to fill this knowledge gap by providing these groups and communities with knowledge of the fundamentals of running and marketing their enterprises effectively, enabling them to lift themselves out of poverty and build lasting and sustainable businesses.
Company Information
DARE Foundation is a non-profit limited company registered in Northern Ireland. This means that any money we make goes straight back into the funding of our projects or the operating costs of the organistion. In Kenya DARE Foundation is a registered Non Governmental Organisation (NGO).
Company Details
Development Assistance for Rural Enterprise Limited trading as DARE Foundation
Registered Address: No.1 Lanyon Quay, Belfast, BT1 3LG, Northern Ireland
Company Registration Number: NI054218.
Development Assistance for Rural Enterprise Foundation is a Registered Charitable Company. Registered in Northern Ireland Reference XT3951
Further Information
I you would like more information about DARE Foundation or would like to help by donating much needed funds or by volunteering to work in Kenya please get in touch.