AWRA AMBA, a post-growth economy inspiring model in Ethiopia
How can we concretely implement the post-growth economy necessary for our survival? I found answers in AWRA AMBA, a village in the North of Ethiopia!
When I decidec to visit the Awra Amba Community, I did not imagine that I would find solutions advocated by the experts of the post-growth economy: living in harmony with nature, making decisions together and distribuiting wealth equally so that we can prosper without growth.
Created in 1972 by a young, gifted visionary, Zumra Nuru, this community is composed now by 3 generations. Their purpose: “to create a world in which poverty is eradicated; every human being can live honourably, compassionately, and collaborate sympathetically and peacefully with others.”
Awra Amba is based on 5 living principles:
- Consider all human beings as brothers ans sisters, despite their differences, and live in harmony with nature.
- Respect the right of women to equality.
- Respect the rights of children.
- Help people who are n longer able to work because of their age or health.
- Avoid bad acts or bad words.
The learning of these principles starts at an early age in the kindergarten and in the families. Community members participate in fortnightly family discussions and sometimes with other families. The moderators of the conversations are elected by the others for 4 meetings. Children and adults can be candidates and take turns faciliting the discussions. These conservations allow feedback to be shared, tensions to be resolved and decisions to be made.
Other committes operationalise a shared governance. The founder has no particular power. He is just an inspiring leader and a member of the Community with the same rights and duties as the other (I cheked; this seems to be reality from what other members say!).
The AWRA AMBA multipurpose farmers’ and artisans’ cooperative allows for equal sharing of skills, benefits ans risks. People are assigned to different roles and jobs based on their skills and competencies (not on gender or degree).
In Ethiopia, the community is known to be hardworking and committed. They work for the collective but may also work and sell for themselves. For example, the weaving machines can be used outside their working hours to meet personal needs.
Economically, Awra Amba is doing better than the surrounding villages, so they share their resources and facilities with their inhabitants: a mill for teff and cereals, a medical centre, a school, a high school…
Today, Zumra and his companions want to share their experiences and good practices with the whole world to contribute to make our planet a place where people respect mankind and nature, a peaceful land without poverty. Inspiring, isn’t it?