The International Labour Organization (ILO) considers cooperatives and other social and solidarity economy enterprises and organizations (SSEEOs) as instrumental in providing opportunities for productive employment and improving the living and working conditions of women and men. These institutions can be particularly useful in areas where for-profit businesses or public authorities and service providers are not present, which may be the case in rural areas. SSEEOs play an important role in the promotion of rural entrepreneurship and business development, employment creation and provision of social protection, as well as in representation and voice for rural producers and workers including those in the informal economy.
