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eradicating poverty

The Gift that Keeps Giving

Posted on June 24, 2008 by Kaitlin Bruno
Topics: Agriculture, Climate and Environment, Economic Development, Food, Humanitarian Aid
Countries: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Photo: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/swissfrog/632096066/">Swiss.frog's photostream (flickr)</a>
Photo: Swiss.frog's photostream (flickr)

Working Villages International (WVI) is an NGO with a unique take on how to eliminate poverty in Africa. Their new initiative, Village Reliance, aims to combat poverty directly, rather than dealing only with its effects. They want to give people the skills and tools to take control of their own lives and bring themselves out of poverty.

The goal of this program is to build a village that will be environmentally and economically self-sustainable for people living in the Ruzizi Valley of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

They are building from scratch a model village which will have full employment, private ownership of small farms and businesses, zero carbon footprint and total 100 percent recycling. This project is a practical demonstration that it’s possible to profoundly increase living standards in rural Africa without hampering local culture and ingenuity.

In the future, WVI hopes to spread these villages across the DRC and the entire continent.

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Keywords: Sustainable Development, eradicating poverty, community, Africa

From the Archives

Investing in the Poor

Posted on March 1, 2007
Previously filed under: Opinions and Editorials
A fresh idea, drawn on old principles, is offered for helping the poor save for the future.
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Keywords: eradicating poverty, philanthropy, financing the poor, Peter Tufano

From the Archives

The Future of Microfinance and the World Bank's Role

Posted on February 27, 2007
Previously filed under: Interviews
The director of the Consultative Group to Assist the Poor discusses what is and isn't needed to help the poor.
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Keywords: World Bank, microfinance, eradicating poverty, Elizabeth Littlefield, CGAP

Breaking News
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Tajikistan: Almost One-Third of the Population Is in Danger of Going Hungry This Winter

EurasiaNet - Tue, 10/07/2008 - 13:38
Almost one-third of Tajikistan’s 6.7 million inhabitants may not have enough to eat this winter, United Nations experts worry. In an attempt to avert an emergency, the UN has issued a fresh global appeal for assistance.

Kenyan PM Sees U.S. Financial Crisis Affecting Continent

All Africa - Tue, 10/07/2008 - 06:26
Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga joined world leaders in warning on Monday that the financial crisis on Wall Street will inflict significant damage on African economies, including Kenya's.

In Malawi, Green Belts to Boost Food Production

IRIN News - Tue, 10/07/2008 - 16:44
Malawian President has pledged to embark on a "green belt" program to enable the country, in the long run, to say goodbye to hunger and international food aid.

Economists Say Shaky Economy May Last for a While

The Associated Press - Mon, 10/06/2008 - 06:33
A growing number of economists believe the country is on the brink of — or already in — its first recession since 2001 and that it will be longer lasting.

Uganda: Shrubs and Leaves on the Menu as Karamoja Food Shortages increase

IRIN News - Tue, 10/07/2008 - 16:44
Thousands of people in Karamoja are facing serious food shortages. Largely inhabited by agro-pastoralist communities, the remote region in north-eastern Uganda suffers endemic security problems.
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