One of the distressing aspects of environmental development is how much effort academics and others expend on criticism compared to the creative aspects of providing workable alternatives. Perhaps it is a product of the predominant research model -- get external funds, study problem, highlight need for ongoing funds to continue studies -- and perhaps it is a by-product of academic elitism, but censure and "constructive criticism" are endemic within both the journal literature and blogsphere related to environment and development. So it is refreshing to read an article that seeks some creativity at how pervasive poverty can be alleviated through direct empowerment of the poor themselves.
Micro-markets: not a place for big government nor big agencies nor celebrity endorsement and photo opportunities, but a potentially definitive blueprint for the real fight on poverty.
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