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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ADVANCED RESEARCH IN COMMERCE, MANAGEMENT & SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJARCMSS) [ Vol. 9 | No. 2 (II) | April - June, 2026 ]

Role of Social Enterprises in Poverty Alleviation in Rural Areas: Evidence from Agra and Firozabad Districts of Uttar Pradesh, India

Nawab Uddin & Prof. (Dr.) P. B. Singh

Social Enterprises (SEs) organizations combining the forces of the market with social goals have become increasingly popular as means of poverty alleviation in rural settings. This paper attempts to explore the role of social enterprises in boosting household income and livelihoods in rural communities. In order to investigate the problem, a combination of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies was used with 200 households surveyed (100 being beneficiaries of social enterprise interventions and 100 non-beneficiaries). The results of quantitative analysis (descriptive statistics, paired and independent samples t-tests) reveal a statistically and substantively significant increase in mean monthly income of beneficiary households (mean difference ≈ ₹1,549; paired t = 24.83, p < 0.001; Cohen’s d = 2.48). Beneficiary post-participation incomes were also significantly higher than non-beneficiaries (t = 11.87, p < 0.001; Cohen’s d = 1.68). Qualitative evidence focuses on improved capabilities, markets, and social capital as mediating mechanisms. The paper concludes that social enterprises can constitute an efficient and scaleable component of rural poverty alleviation strategies, provided there are appropriate enabling policies and funding mechanisms.

Uddin, N. & Singh, P. (2026). Role of Social Enterprises in Poverty Alleviation in Rural Areas: Evidence from Agra and Firozabad Districts of Uttar Pradesh, India. International Journal of Advanced Research in Commerce, Management & Social Science, 09(02(II)), 249–257. https://doi.org/10.62823/IJARCMSS/9.2(II).9105
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DOI:

Article DOI: 10.62823/IJARCMSS/9.2(II).9105

DOI URL: https://doi.org/10.62823/IJARCMSS/9.2(II).9105

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