Feb 01, 2008

A Jump-Start Round-Up

After an extended holiday hiatus we are back with a round up of some worthwhile reads from the past month.

Jan 03, 2008

Top Five: Books about Africa

With so much on offer, and so little of it high quality, how can one learn about the real Africa? The following books represent some of the most readable and instructive we know of covering the African continent. They are certainly not the only good books out there – for one they are all non-fiction. Still, they offer history, context and insight into the continent and its variety and can function as a Master Class in Africa for anyone who wants to learn.

Dec 17, 2007

Where Philanthropy and Government Meet

Wealthy people from the developing world are dedicating large portions of their personal fortunes to addressing social gaps in their countries, a trend which is growing commensurate with the explosion of wealth in parts of the developing world. In some cases they are doing it in partnership with government.

Dec 12, 2007

How Business Can Aid in the Fight Against Global Poverty

There are no easy answers to the eradication of poverty. There is no ‘one size fits all’ or a single solution. Poverty will ultimately be solved when good governments are installed that will create the environment for vibrant economic activity to take place. It will not be solved by grand projects run by governments but which offer poor returns on their investments. An enterprise-based strategy will lay the groundwork for a better educated and resourced next generation, to transform their nations and make poverty history.

Dec 12, 2007

When Is a Cow Not a Cow?

Alternative gift programs have been criticized for the fact that the items in their catalog are not literal. When a giver buys a cow from Oxfam it does not necessarily mean that a poor person will receive a cow. To use the language of Oxfam’s disclaimer, the items in the gift catalog are “symbolic.“

Dec 10, 2007

Recent Themes Roundup

There has been a spate of stories recently covering a few recurring themes at Beyond Philanthropy: business development in sub-Saharan Africa, food policy, and effective giving.

Dec 04, 2007

Cheetahs, Free Trade, Growth and Subsidies: Is this African Boom Different?

There is plenty of good news coming from Africa these days—not least of which is that average economic growth on the continent exceeds the world average growth. Much of the growth in sub-Saharan Africa is being driven by a new generation of African entrepreneurs, powered by business reforms, access to credit and such programs as the U.S.‘ African Growth and Opportunity Act (which allows for free trade with U.S. for African manufactured goods). George Ayittey, a Ghanain economist, refers to these entrepreneurial leaders as “cheetahs”—fast, flexible, and aggressive in exploiting newfound opportunities.

Nov 29, 2007

‘Tis the Season

Yet donors should sincerely consider where their money is going: is it being used to perpetuate the existence of an institution, or is it being used to fulfill a need—perhaps in such a way that the institution itself will eventually no longer be necessary?

Nov 13, 2007

The Pervasive Role of Markets in Malaria Treatment

Even when things such as bed nets or hydration salts or medications are given away for free, there are still market dynamics at work. This can be seen in how they are packaged, how they are priced, and even in how incentives are built in to ensure they are used properly.

Nov 12, 2007

Darfur Now