Articles by Nilima Achwal
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Monday
July 5
2010Solar Energy for the BoP: Katherine Lucey of Solar Sister
As part of our series on clean energy, we interviewed Katherine Lucey, the founder of Solar Sister, a Uganda-based social enterprise that is currently in its pilot phase. Solar Sister focuses on employing and empowering local women to act as Avon-type, commissioned saleswomen for solar lanterns. Lucey shares some insights from the field.
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Friday
May 28
2010Yunus Speaks on Social Business: Impact without Profit
Microfinance guru Muhammad Yunus recently spoke about his new book on social business. Social business, as defined by Yunus, is a venture whose sole mission is to create a positive impact on society through its good or service, and is thoroughly sustainable, but has no profit. Is profit necessary for a business to scale up quickly and efficiently?
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Friday
May 7
2010Getting BoP Products in Consumers’ Hands – MFIs and Micro-dealers Can Help
How can we get cutting-edge products in the hands of those that need them the most? The clincher lies in effective distribution and the equally important task of winning hearts and minds. MFIs, with their valuable micro-credit and deep relationships with BoP consumers, can be likely partners in distribution, if utilized correctly.
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Tuesday
April 6
2010A New Brand of Poverty Tourism
Most have a knee-jerk reaction of repulsion when they hear of poverty tourism, but what about respectful tours that help the local communities? Or ones that open minds, provoke thought, and maybe even action? Poverty tourism is a complicated subject with different faces, so it’s important to look at the real effects of it on the ground.
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Wednesday
March 3
2010Kiva Fellow in Bolivia, Part 2: Profiles of Entrepreneurs
We hear a lot about microfinance empowering the poor, but who are these people that we are ostensibly helping? Are we actually helping them? At least at Fundaci?n Agrocapital in Bolivia, the answer is an uncontestable "YES." These entrepreneurs are grateful to have access to micro-loans.
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Wednesday
February 10
2010A Kiva Fellow Experience with Microfinance in Bolivia: Part 1
Living and breathing Kiva for three months implied me getting involved with microfinance in every sense - with laypeople that lend in hopes of making an impact,the underrated loan officers, and equally importantly, the other Kiva Fellows that constantly collaborated on best practices and shared an excited, passionate energy online.
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