New approaches to cleaner production: applying the SASI method to micro-tanneries in Colombia

The literature on micro and small sized enterprises in developing countries shows their existential difficulties. This is particularly true for those in marginal areas with multiple challenges including pollution prevention. Environmental agencies tend to require capital intensive end-of-pipe solutions or regulatory measures that close down polluting enterprises. Both knowledge of and interest in how to make poor micro enterprises more sustainable are needed. This paper addresses this by (a) developing a problem-driven and context-oriented Systematic Approach to Social Inclusion (SASI) method, and (b) applying it successfully in the context of micro tanneries in Villapinzón Colombia over a period of eight years. The concept of cleaner production was systematically integrated into this method that was inspired by Lewin's theory of change and insights from negotiation and conflict resolution. The results show that cleaner production implementation needs comprehensive, systemic policy mechanisms based on participatory approaches taking into account the socio-economic constraints of the micro-industries that combine supportive capacity building and command-and-control policies. Moreover, rules encouraging cleaner production need to be sensitive to the regulatory context in which it is applied, which in this case concerned land use planning and zoning regulations. The SASI approach effectively encouraged micro tanners to make their industries more viable and clean, while it simultaneously convinced the environmental agency to recognise and value these industries. This paper argues that integrating cleaner production in SASI is a learning and socio-technical change process, urgently needed for micro-industries.