collective self-reliance

Collective self-reliance is a community’s ability to depend on its own resources, skills, and efforts to meet its needs without relying heavily on outside help. It involves pooling local strengths—such as skills, knowledge, and materials—to solve common problems, make decisions, and sustain itself independently. This approach encourages groups to be resilient, autonomous, and proactive, fostering shared responsibility and cooperation. Essentially, it’s about communities working together to build their capacity to handle challenges and fulfill their needs from within, reducing dependency on external assistance and promoting self-sufficiency.