Resources, Information, Exchange to build sustainable markets that work for the poor

A new publication, "Making Value Chains work better for the Poor - a toolbook for practioners of value chain analysis" is now available for download from here.  The book is also available in a wiki version that can be edited and updated by registered users.    The toolbook is designed as a concise manual to be used in the field and by those involved in project development and/or assessment of investment opportunities.

Wednesday, Washington DC.  The day after the big party, entrepreneurial street vendors are still very active along Pennslyvania Ave making the most of the time-limited markets for Obama inauguration memorabilia.  Many of the celebratory Obama key rings, caps, mouse mats and fridge magnets on sale are actually made in China - perhaps in keeping with the global nature of the event.  But I'm sure much of the value-added is at the US retail end of the memorabilia value chain.  The vendors are able to effectively exploit information asymmetries about the actual production and distribution costs of memorabilia as well as impose extra mark ups that are made possible in the general "feel good" mood amongst the millions of temporary visitors to the US capital who won't want to leave without a souvenir of this particular history-laden visit.

Bangkok, Sunday.  The last of the participants from the M4P learning event in Bangkok are finally trickling away from the conference venue.  What was billed as a one day learning event on Wednesday 26 November has turned into a week long drama due to the occupation of the two main international airports in Bangkok by anti-government protesters.  In addition to market development, participants have been able to develop new skills in  escapology, SE Asian geography as well as hone their planning and logistics capabilities.  Whilst there has been no sense of physical danger from the protests, the huge uncertainty about what might happen and a lack of reliable information on travel options out of Bangkok left many feeling trapped and helpless.  Initially airlines were continuing to take bookings on flights that were clearly never going to leave adding to the frustrations.  As the week wore on different groups began to devise overland escape routes.  This was a feasible option for partic

A couple of years ago, the M4P project in Vietnam ran an experiment to use the “wisdom of the crowds” to select 10 books that would be most interesting or useful to the new team that would be managing the next phase of the M4P project.  Given that other M4P projects and programmes are starting up or renewing themselves in Bangladesh, South Africa and Nicaragua, I thought it might be useful to revisit the experiment .  As before, the list of 10 will be modified on the basis of feedback from readers.  Your feedback is most welcome (use the comments option below).  For any new books you want to suggest, you must also suggest books to remove so we keep the list at 10 and retain some balance as well.  Other than relevance to M4P, the only other selection criteria are (1) the nominations must be actual published