Ideally, the relationship between a social enterprise and the community it serves should be symbiotic. Zeenat Farooq, one of my colleagues at FORCE for Water Security group, introduced me to the dynamic between buffalo and cowbirds—a symbiotic relationship from which we in the social sector can learn.

Historically, wherever there were herds of buffalo or cattle in pasture, cowbirds were right at their feet, snatching up insects stirred up by their hooves. When the buffalo lay down during the day to chew their cuds, the birds perch on their backs to pluck out insects on their skin and in their fur. The birds get food, and the buffalo benefit from the reduced number of insect pests and competing foragers on the ground.

This co-existence offers some lessons that may help donors and social entrepreneurs identify and build balanced enterprises.

Read the full article at Stanford Social Innovation Review