October 2008

We recently held a session on linking communities to markets during the Development Marketplace 2008 with about 40 finalists from all over the world.  This was an excellent session and well received, but I realized one thing during the event: When you discuss how to link communities to markets, you’re assuming that the communities are mobilized, are actively participating in the project, and feel a sense of ownership.  But how do you get to that point?

Once you complete your project, there’ll be time for reflection and celebration but not too much! Likely your project has successfully piloted a new innovation but it remains just that, a pilot. Peoples’ lives will have been changed and you’ll have learned an enormous amount, so now the challenge is to have an even bigger impact by helping change the existing paradigm in your field or in the region where you work.

Application deadline:
21 October 2008!
When it comes to developing cleaner, sustainable energy solutions, some of the most ingenious and practical ideas are coming out of rural communities in the developing world. Every year, small enterprises in Africa, Asia and Latin America apply for the Ashden Awards and win the chance to bring their sustainable energy solutions into the international arena.

This is my first blogging experience.  While I have facility with technology, and I read political blogs, I have never felt compelled to share my thoughts out on the world-wide web as a younger generation does.