Digesting ‘koeksister economics’
We previously explored the Wellbeing Economy, an alternative economic model that places human and ecological wellbeing at the heart of economic decision-making. It is related to the Gross National Happiness approach of Bhutan, Ecuador’s “Buen Vivir” policies, and other alternative economic models including Kate Raworth’s “doughnut economics”.
Our fellow NPO Green Connection has developed a South African variant of the “doughnut” model called “koeksister economics”, which is empowering a host of West Coast communities whose environments and livelihoods, largely as fishers, are affected by oil and gas projects.
“Koeksister” as the project is affectionately called, is enabling communities from Elands Bay to Port Nolloth to create alternative livelihoods, build their own circular economies – and even to influence policy at local-government and broader levels.
“It’s about reminding people that they have a voice,” explained Green Connection’s economy officer Khetha Buthelezi. “It entails lots of advocacy, but it’s also fun and interactive, with people telling stories and sharing how they grew up and the skills they learnt, including what they can do with their hands.
A project begins with Green Connection holding a community workshop to climate change and its effects, also outlining the social and ecological parameters of doughnut economics. The facilitators then encourage communities to explore where these parameters lie locally and how to envisage and build their own sustainable projects, drawing on local indigenous knowledge.
As a result, many communities have started food gardens to ensure their own food security as their fishing opportunities dwindle, selling the surplus and even starting local soup kitchens and school feeding-schemes. People have begun projects making sustainable bricks, belts, knitting, cooking local delicacies, and starting recycling projects, often as cooperatives that can register for funding from government and other entities.
Koeksister-style, this economic model weaves together three strands: the concepts of doughnut economics, transition towns, and commoning.
Doughnut economics pictures the economy as a safe space between the satisfying of minimum human needs, such as food, water and housing (the inner ring of the doughnut), within ecological limits that include climate change, ocean acidification and biodiversity loss (outer ring of the doughnut).
Transition towns are community initiatives to build resilience and wellbeing through projects that produce food and energy locally, create local jobs, and foster community well-being.
Commoning is when people come together to collectively develop standards and customs for the use of shared resources.
The project has also enabled communities to become part of and influence municipal decision-making around issues such as water security and potential solar energy projects. In at least one instance, community members have also been called to testify at hearings that could affect national policy.
“The project brings hope,” Buthelezi said. “People start to become creative; to know they can do greater things as a community”.
“I have found, as a person who does the facilitation, that this work is absolutely life-changing.”
