Re-orient: New view, New Direction, New Blog
You’ll remember (or are now learning!) that I started this blog to capture my views as a Global Fellow at Acumen. Specifically, I wanted to discuss market-oriented ways to deliver … Continue reading
The “1099” / “Sharing” economy and Social Impact: When ‘good’ jobs go ‘bad’?
“For many people in emerging markets, a reliable job is the most effective means of escaping poverty. Steady jobs change lives” [EY Growth Services] Sharing is not always caring Deliveroo, … Continue reading
Risky business: the dangerous myth of the ‘risk-averse’ small –holder farmer
Betting the farm. Literally. At least a few men and women have made a bet which in one stroke changed their fortune. George Soros is one example whose bet against … Continue reading
More than ‘Cool Runnings’: Social Enterprises in the Caribbean (and Africa)
To some, the Caribbean brings to mind beaches or even a movie of questionable appeal about an unexpected group of men in a bobsled. It may be less common, though, to … Continue reading
Lowered expectations
In the early-mid 2000’s, and with continued fervour since then, ‘Social Enterprise’ and ‘Social Impact’ have become increasingly prevalent terms. Among a growing class of freshly-minted graduates and young professionals, … Continue reading
The Wire: improving remittances to the developing world
From the parable of the Prodigal Son to songs in Reggae music, a common narrative exists about a youth, departing the childhood home and squandering precious funds abroad. However, outside … Continue reading
Yes, but can you do it again? Repeatability and social impact
Successful shots from the middle of the basketball court. Businesses that release the right product at the right time at the right price, with ensuing profits. Books that strike a … Continue reading
Social Enterprises, Band-Aids and Refugee Camps: Uncomfortable Similarities, Meaningful Differences
In 2008, disputes after a federal election led to substantive political violence in Kenya. Three years later, after 600,000 people were displaced by the violence, 200,000 of those victims – … Continue reading
What Enterprises Need to Do for the World’s “New” Billion Poor Individuals
Two decades ago, 93% of the world’s poorest people lived in low-income countries (LICs). Today, according to the Center for Global Development, 72% of the world’s poorest people live in … Continue reading
Wrong Approach and Wrong Model: Social Enterprises and the Delivery of Goods and Services to Low-Income Consumers
Last week in a visit to low-income farmers in rural Kenya , one farmer recounted that he was only able to yield a limited amount of maize for sale because … Continue reading
