For every 1 invested in Brac’s programme there was a return of £5.40 with the benefits for women increasing over time. Providing assets and training was keyPeople are often very rude about big push approaches to development – the conception that you can kickstart a country (or a millennium village) by simultaneously shoving in piles of different projects,technical assistance and cash. The approach hasn’t got a noteworthy track record, but now a kind of micro big push, or targeting the ultra-destitute in a range of countries,is showing some really promising results.
The approach has been pioneered by Bangladeshi development organisation Brac, which aims to back households escape extreme poverty by helping women set up their own small businesses. Brac provides both assets and skills training for some of the poorest women in Bangladesh. Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com