Enhancing Rural Livelihood Diversification in Egypt: Rural Business Incubator Leveraging the One Village One Product Model

Abstract

Undeniably, rural areas lie at the heart of the sustainable development challenge. Nearly 70% of the world’s population living in extreme poverty reside in rural areas [1], while agriculture is considered the main livelihood for more people than any other economic activity. Rural areas and agriculture are particularly important in Egypt’s history and socio-economic composition. In 2016, Egypt launched its first version of the Sustainable Development Strategy: Egypt’s Vision 2030, as a cornerstone for a comprehensive developmental process [2]. Improving rural livelihood in Egypt requires innovative approaches that leverage local resources, enhance skills, and stimulate entrepreneurship. Rural Business Incubator (RBI) and the One Village One Product (OVOP) model are promising approaches for socio-economic development in rural areas. Integrating Rural Business Incubator (RBI) within the One Village One Product (OVOP) model provides a pathway for socio-economic development in rural Egypt, especially by empowering youth and women entrepreneurs. This paper explores the implementation components of Rural Business Incubator (RBI) within the OVOP model, the challenges faced during implementation, and practical solutions for fostering sustainable, community-driven economic growth