Hundreds of millions of people in the developing world are self employed, or working in the informal sector, creating handicrafts to sell by the roadside, collecting and selling bits of produce, or producing goods for which they simply do not receive an equitable price. It is increasingly difficult for these marginalized producers to compete in advanced local and global economies. They often lack access to distribution channels, equipment, technology and investment which would allow them to increase or get a fairer share of the value they create.

Since 1980, Ashoka has launched over 100 social entrepreneurs working to improve opportunities of small producers around the world. This cluster of Ashoka Fellows is developing a diverse array of innovative, practical solutions.

The Classes of Small Producers™ program is still in a concept stage. It aims to distill and disseminate the insights of Ashoka's social entrepreneurs working with small producers. The program's key products will articulate features of the work of these Ashoka Fellows in order to transform production and distribution systems for the benefit of classes of small producers (i.e. shepherds, potters, weavers) worldwide. It is an integral part of our overall vision of full economic citizenship.

Click here to learn about the innovations of some Ashoka Fellows working with small producers.