Economically empowering the Roma population

• Author: Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion (European Commission)
• Pages: 20-21

SOCIAL INNOVATION: INSPIRATIONAL PRACTICES

SUPPORTING PEOPLE THROUGHOUT THEIR LIVES

20

© European Union, 2020

A woman working in a f‌ield

Problem addressed

As many as 80% of Roma people surveyed by the EU

Fundamental Rights Agency (2016) live below their country’s

at-risk-of-poverty threshold. Around 33% do not have access

to tap water and every third Roma child lives in a household

where someone went to bed hungry at least once in the

month preceding the survey. Roma poverty is linked to low

employment rates, below-par educational attainment, labour

market discrimination and spatial segregation.

Innovative solution

Since 2003, the Land Source of Income Foundation has been

supporting Roma-led small and medium farming enterprises

in the rural regions of Bulgaria by helping families to buy

land. The foundation contributes 70% of the land price as

a loan. Benef‌iciary families have f‌ive years to repay the

loan. During this time, the foundation provides the family

with continuous assistance to reach f‌inancial autonomy.

Agronomy consultants, for example, visit the farm regularly

and advise owners on crop choice, equipment and products

to use to develop sustainable agricultural practices.

The foundation recognises the link between the material

dimensions of disadvantage and psycho-social ones, notably

trust. It has partnered with local schools and culture centres

to organise events such as dancing festivals and showcases

of the Roma culture to promote intercultural exchanges and

social cohesion.

Economically empowering the

Roma population

Land Source of Income

Bulgaria