Sunday, November 28, 2010
EOSS Consulting collaborates on 9th Annual Brazil Local Development Expo
EOSS Consulting is pleased to collaborate with the 9th Brazil Local Development Expo, December 1-3 at the Convention Center SulAmérica in Rio de Janeiro.
The event represents a unique opportunity to present, meet, discuss and promote initiatives for local and territorial development in Brazil, with more than 60 sessions including lectures, dialogues, thematic panels and tutorials / workshops, with approximately 150 speakers
Within various projects and attractions of the Expo Brazil, EOSS is a proud supporter of Favela Fashion Rio, an event which aims to give more visibility to the supply chain of fashion made in
Brazil's low-income communities. While many famous brands complete much of its production in the slums, where items are finished and embellished, unfortunately, prejudice, lack of marketing, market access and finances limit the incredible economic potential of the fashion industry to provide solid livelihoods for low-income people, particularly women. In Favela Fashion Rio, favela- based cooperatives will have their products displayed in live showcases and runways , with the participation of models of their own communities. They will also participate working groups, workshops and short courses.
With this event, EOSS Consulting hope to promote sustainable fashion with social inclusion as an innovative vehicle for local economic development.
Among participating cooperatives in Favela Fashion Rio are Retalhos Carioca, Bau de Panos, Mulheres da Coroa , three Cooperatives from City of GOD, which already participate in ECOSS Brazil, an EOSS project to help Brazilian cooperatives and microenteprises access foreign markets.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Afro-Latin American & Caribbean Women's Festival & Seminars
Afro-Latin American & Caribbean Women's Festival & Seminars 2010, taking place 24-26 November, sponsored by the Applied Research Institute - IPEA.
In this third edition, this program has as its central theme the importance of censuses in Latin America to quantify and formulate public policies for black women.
The programming is all free. The seminars will IPEA certification.
To subscribe visit: www.ipea.gov.br / code - Registration Form.
- PROGRAM -
November 24 (Wednesday)
14h to 16h - Opening with the Federation of Umbanda and Candomble in the Federal District and surrounding areas, followed by
Seminar 2001 - Census: Black Women, Work and Land
November 25 (Thursday)
10am to 12pm - Seminar 02 - Census: Black Women in Politics
14h to 16h - Seminar Census: Black Women in Culture and Communication
November 26 (Friday)
10am to 12pm - Seminar Census: Black Women in Education
14h to 16h - Seminar Census: Black Population Health
From 18h: Fair Afro and artistic presentations with Batali, Dj Donna Dj Marta Creole and Leah Itamaracá
In this third edition, this program has as its central theme the importance of censuses in Latin America to quantify and formulate public policies for black women.
The programming is all free. The seminars will IPEA certification.
To subscribe visit: www.ipea.gov.br / code - Registration Form.
- PROGRAM -
November 24 (Wednesday)
14h to 16h - Opening with the Federation of Umbanda and Candomble in the Federal District and surrounding areas, followed by
Seminar 2001 - Census: Black Women, Work and Land
November 25 (Thursday)
10am to 12pm - Seminar 02 - Census: Black Women in Politics
14h to 16h - Seminar Census: Black Women in Culture and Communication
November 26 (Friday)
10am to 12pm - Seminar Census: Black Women in Education
14h to 16h - Seminar Census: Black Population Health
From 18h: Fair Afro and artistic presentations with Batali, Dj Donna Dj Marta Creole and Leah Itamaracá
Monday, November 1, 2010
Brazil elects first woman president!!!!!!!
This is a historical and momentous day!
To witness this is amazing, almost as amazing as being in Washington for the election of President Barack Obama in 2008!
The difference is the Brazilians don't seem quite as ebullient anxious and psyched up about their 2010 election as Americans were in 2008- perhaps gender is less controversial than race in contemporary Brazil? perhaps its not as charged given Brazil is not at war nor in the midst of an economic crisis, as USA was during our last election? perhaps, as some existing national studies suggest, the average Brazilian is generally less politically engaged and informed about platforms and public policy? Or perhaps the real festivities will skyrocket today since Dilma Rousseff's victory has now been confirmed. If the latter is the case, hope to post some video.
Either way, its a historical day! And I'm not just happy because of the symbolic victory of a woman..... I'm happy because Brazil is truly at a turning point in its economic and social trajectory, and can leverage the tremendous gains in industrialization, diversification and economic growth in more far-reaching way, principally to eradicate poverty. I'm happy my mission is to eradicate poverty to the extent possible, through my work and....Dilma seems to share those sentiments.
More information in the article....
Dilma wins presidency
To witness this is amazing, almost as amazing as being in Washington for the election of President Barack Obama in 2008!
The difference is the Brazilians don't seem quite as ebullient anxious and psyched up about their 2010 election as Americans were in 2008- perhaps gender is less controversial than race in contemporary Brazil? perhaps its not as charged given Brazil is not at war nor in the midst of an economic crisis, as USA was during our last election? perhaps, as some existing national studies suggest, the average Brazilian is generally less politically engaged and informed about platforms and public policy? Or perhaps the real festivities will skyrocket today since Dilma Rousseff's victory has now been confirmed. If the latter is the case, hope to post some video.
Either way, its a historical day! And I'm not just happy because of the symbolic victory of a woman..... I'm happy because Brazil is truly at a turning point in its economic and social trajectory, and can leverage the tremendous gains in industrialization, diversification and economic growth in more far-reaching way, principally to eradicate poverty. I'm happy my mission is to eradicate poverty to the extent possible, through my work and....Dilma seems to share those sentiments.
More information in the article....
Dilma wins presidency
Sunday, October 31, 2010
EOSS to Train 1,600 Women Entrepreneurs in Brazil!
I am so honored and inspired and delighted to share that through support from the federal Secretariat on Policies for Women and the Council for Women's Rights in Rio de Janeiro, EOSS will be launching training for 1,600 women entrepreneurs in all areas of Rio de Janeiro, including Centro, Duque de Caxias, Belford Roxo, City of God, Niteroi, Saquarema, Mesuita and more....
This program aims to help more carioca women liberate themselves from cycles of poverty by providing them with relevant vocational and entrepreneurial skill sets, particularly skills that will be most needed for the surge in tourism from the upcoming World Cup in 2014 and the 2016 Olympics.
The vocational specializations within our curriculum include: office administration for hospitality industry, sustainable handicrafts productions, restoration of materials, geriatric care, sustainable cosmetics production, facilities maintenance.....
but we hope to further expand modules.
The important thing is that these modules will complemented with workshops and seminars on gender and entrepreneurship, including business plan preparation, price-setting, design and marketing.
Its a win-win partnership that makes Rio a more competitive destination for international tourism and empowers women.
Since research proves that compared to men, women invest higher percentages of their income in the family, particularly children's health and education- the benefits from their economic empowerment just keep on growing and extending.
Of course, there will be video from our trainings and interviews with participants so please stay tuned.
Coming soon- Vlogs!
I'm so thrilled to inform you that soon.....this blog will be multimedia! With live footage of EOSS's work with women entrepreneurs in Brazil, our new partnership with cooperatives in Peru and our engagements in lusaphone Africa. How fun!
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Tourism & Inequality in Brazil
Brazil is one of the most inequitable countries in the world and has long been a top global tourist destination- can the tourism industry be shifted to perpetuate equality or is it part of the problem?
Tourism is one of the most lucrative and quickly expanding sectors in Brazil's economy. Despite the tremendous touristic appeal of Afro-Brazilian cultural patrimonies, such as capoeira, candomble, samba and cuisine, the tourism sector's revenues have done little to mitigate disproportionate poverty affecting Afro-Brazilians. Afro-Brazilians comprise 49% of Brazil's population, yet they are twice as likely to live below the poverty line. Over 40% of Afro-Brazilians live below the national poverty line and Afro-Brazilians comprise 66% of households in the favelas. With regards to gender, Brazil also displays similar gaps in women’s remuneration and disproportionate presence in the informal sector. Ironically, the this feminized poverty feeds cycles of poverty and prostitution, which is a major draw for the tourist industry. But all of that is shifting- as Brazil becomes the economic powerhouse of the Southern hemisphere, it has made vast strides in reducing inequality. A Secretariat for Racial Equality and a Secretariat for Policies for Women have released innovative programs, ranging from training to credit to federal policies.
And the role of tourism may be shifting as well. Under Brazil's Growth Acceleration Plan, the government has committed to investment in sustainable and eco-friendly urban development and slum upgrading, thus creating a plethora of jobs in construction, education and social services, often for low-income people. These investments can also be vital to bringing tourism to untapped markets which have tremendous socio-cultural richness, including favelas and peripheral areas and rural areas with their own topographic richness.
Since Rio de Janeiro was awarded both the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics, the city has unrolled a comprehensive revitalization plan, which will develop many low-income areas, promote green construction and provide training in tourism, hospitality, foreign languages and IT for the local population.
In various capacities, state and local government are working to ensure that women and diverse ethnic groups are well-represented and take advantage of these opportunities. New metro and transport routes will be availed in favelas and other low-income areas, expanding access to jobs.
For a long time, tourism seemed to feed off Brazil’s inequalities, particularly commercial sexual exploitation- but that truly seems to be shifting. Favelas and low-income communities are asserting their cultural value added, and marketing fashion and crafts to tourists and even exporting them to major brands (see Moda Fusion for an example). Government, particularly SEBRAE (the Brazilian SBA) is helping by not only providing training, but establishing SME Handicrafts centers in central locations. Even hostels and eco-tourism centers have already been opened privately in the favelas, and now the government will be finding ways to support these types of investment. The most interesting thing about this shift is the collaborative interaction between investors, the private sector, government and communities that seems to be going on in Rio. Can tourism be a boon to better income distribution in Brazil? Let’s check again in 2016.
Tourism is one of the most lucrative and quickly expanding sectors in Brazil's economy. Despite the tremendous touristic appeal of Afro-Brazilian cultural patrimonies, such as capoeira, candomble, samba and cuisine, the tourism sector's revenues have done little to mitigate disproportionate poverty affecting Afro-Brazilians. Afro-Brazilians comprise 49% of Brazil's population, yet they are twice as likely to live below the poverty line. Over 40% of Afro-Brazilians live below the national poverty line and Afro-Brazilians comprise 66% of households in the favelas. With regards to gender, Brazil also displays similar gaps in women’s remuneration and disproportionate presence in the informal sector. Ironically, the this feminized poverty feeds cycles of poverty and prostitution, which is a major draw for the tourist industry. But all of that is shifting- as Brazil becomes the economic powerhouse of the Southern hemisphere, it has made vast strides in reducing inequality. A Secretariat for Racial Equality and a Secretariat for Policies for Women have released innovative programs, ranging from training to credit to federal policies.
And the role of tourism may be shifting as well. Under Brazil's Growth Acceleration Plan, the government has committed to investment in sustainable and eco-friendly urban development and slum upgrading, thus creating a plethora of jobs in construction, education and social services, often for low-income people. These investments can also be vital to bringing tourism to untapped markets which have tremendous socio-cultural richness, including favelas and peripheral areas and rural areas with their own topographic richness.
Since Rio de Janeiro was awarded both the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics, the city has unrolled a comprehensive revitalization plan, which will develop many low-income areas, promote green construction and provide training in tourism, hospitality, foreign languages and IT for the local population.
In various capacities, state and local government are working to ensure that women and diverse ethnic groups are well-represented and take advantage of these opportunities. New metro and transport routes will be availed in favelas and other low-income areas, expanding access to jobs.
For a long time, tourism seemed to feed off Brazil’s inequalities, particularly commercial sexual exploitation- but that truly seems to be shifting. Favelas and low-income communities are asserting their cultural value added, and marketing fashion and crafts to tourists and even exporting them to major brands (see Moda Fusion for an example). Government, particularly SEBRAE (the Brazilian SBA) is helping by not only providing training, but establishing SME Handicrafts centers in central locations. Even hostels and eco-tourism centers have already been opened privately in the favelas, and now the government will be finding ways to support these types of investment. The most interesting thing about this shift is the collaborative interaction between investors, the private sector, government and communities that seems to be going on in Rio. Can tourism be a boon to better income distribution in Brazil? Let’s check again in 2016.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Eco-Tourism in the Sacred Valley
Maras has more burros than people. Yet in the lucid expanse of hills and mountains known as “the Window to the Sacred Valley” Maras does not have many jobs or industries or much else, besides nature, agriculture and a rich cultural tradition. That may change, with the opening of Sumak Andean, an eco-tourism center launched by Cusco entrepreneur, Elena Gonzalez.
Sumak Andean aims to provide tourists with an immersion experience in local customs that go back to the Incas while bolstering opportunities for the people of Maras. This is seemingly a perfect symbiosis.
With the support of Technoserve & the USAID Farmer-to-Farmer project, I was able to directly collaborate with Sumak Andean in development of their marketing campaign and was able to witness some of the challenges and opportunities of this model firsthand.
Eco-tourism and cultural tourism are an ideal income generation projects in rural and isolated areas, with landscapes that will entice tourists and with a certain cultural and environmental “purity”. Its meant to be a sharp contrast from the average eco-tourist’s frenetic, high-tech and globalized existence. In many of the isolated areas that meet these criteria, there may be paltry industrial development, transport and infrastructure.
This can complicate supply chains and reduce an already small market of target consumers. However, for those truly committed to sustainable development and cultural exchange, taking an extra boat, dirt road or burro to have an amazing experience is part of the experience.
Another challenge can be maximizing eco-tourism’s potential as an income generator when higher education and business administration have been such distant realities or priorities for the local population. Any eco-tourism center can bring economic benefits, by creating markets for local agriculture and handicrafts- but to exceed that benchmark and bring more direct economic opportunity requires maximized local staffing. For people who have only known farming or quilting or herding, learning how to itemize a budget or implement a marketing plan can require a huge leap!
This educational gap may be why many eco-tourism centers are run by outsider or foreigners. However, social entrepreneur and travel agency proprietor Elena Gonzalez created a unique cooperative model for Sumak Andean. Elena leads Sumak Andean in collaboration with a local women’s association form the community. The association was initially a cooperative of local women making handicrafts and lunches from locally grown crops- Elena enjoyed bringing tourists to the cooperative for meals en route to more visible tourist locales such as the local salt mines or archaeological sites. But there was no building, no bathrooms, no structure, in place for anything more than a roadside, hearth-cooked meal. Elena partnered with the association to help them obtain a commercial space, and create something bigger.
Together, they created a business plan that won Technoserve’s Idea Tu Empresa Business Plan competition. With no knowledge of how to write a business plan, no capital, no equipment, no land, the community association was in no way prepared for a commercial loan. Even if they had obtained a microfinance loan, they still would have been without the technical capacity to manage construction, launch and operation of the space. With funding and technical assistance from Technoserve and the USAID Farmer-to-Farmer project, Elena and the association are currently in the midst of construction and improving the constituents’ capacity in sales, customer service and management. Elena hopes that after building their skills up, the association will be able to assume complete control and leadership of Sumak Andean.
The association is gaining more and more financial savvy and more innovative ideas about improving their business and involving the community. As they interact with tourist, they learn more about consumer preferences and trends and already, they have expanded to include Sumak Andean herbology tours, cooking classes and craftsmanship classes. While some worry about the effect of exposure to globalization can affect traditional communities, community members in Maras are mostly proud and eager to share their culture. Although they don’t know much about typical lifestyles in the US or Europe, they sense that the American and European tourists can gain immense value in learning how to live in harmony with nature. As the tensions over natural disasters and corporate sustainability reach a boiling point, insight from communities like Maras becomes even more relevant.
Eco-tourism presents great potential to help both industrialized nations and emerging markets gain needed experiences, resources and insights. Its part of a new generation of business models that merge social impact and environmental sustainability. Of course, balancing these objectives can lead to new challenges, which Elena and myriad other entrepreneurs are deftly overcoming.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
EOSS Sponsors Trade Winds Symposium in Collaboration with US Embassy in Rio
This year's Trade Winds Symposium, organized by US Commercial Services at the US Consulate in Rio de Janeiro, aims to help global businesses maximize their export potential, diversify their customer base and enjoy successful expansion to the Brazilian market. This year's Trade Winds Symposium will occur April 29-30 in Rio. Government briefings, including the Brazilian Economic & Social Development Bank, Secretariat for Transportation, the Special Secretariat for the World Cup & the US Trade & Investment Agency will help provide insights on current needs, opportunities and special incentives within the Brazilian market. There will also be a half day of panels on infrastructure initiatives including, construction, transportation and security, with remarks from Odebrecht, the Green Building Council and the Assoc. of Hotels. The American Chamber of COmmerce, Price Waterhouse Coopers and IBM will also present strategies and support services available to businesses in the Brazilian market, with an emphasis on Rio's urban development and the opportunities generated by the upcoming World Cup (2014) and Olympic Games (2016). Definitely a can't-miss event!
Please visit the US Commercial Service, the trade promotion arm of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration, for more information about attending the event. http://www.trade.gov/cs/
Please visit the US Commercial Service, the trade promotion arm of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration, for more information about attending the event. http://www.trade.gov/cs/
Sustainable MicroEntrepreneurs from Brazil
Within its Business Development Services schema, EOSS is currently providing technical assistance and market access facilitation to Brazilian micro-entepreneurs. These micro-entrepreneurs all produce sustainable handicrafts, with an emphasis on benefits to the base of the pyramid. In addition to one -on-one facilitation, EOSS is negotiating with potential buyers and American importers at the Building Business Across Borders in Miami. uilding BUsiness Across Borders is a Trade Fair for Women Entrepreneurs, occurring Miami, Florida, April 19-21.
More information about the Building Business Across Borders Trade Fair can be found at:
http://70.32.91.35/latin-america-and-caribbean/business-across-borders-trade-fair-women-entrepreneurs-0
More information about the Building Business Across Borders Trade Fair can be found at:
http://70.32.91.35/latin-america-and-caribbean/business-across-borders-trade-fair-women-entrepreneurs-0
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Debt Forgiveness for Haiti!!!!!!!!
With all the tragedy of recent events in Haiti, this is the most inspiring news I've heard so far.
The G7 (Canada, the US, UK, France, Germany, Italy and Japan) have pledged to write off the debts that Haiti owes them, following a devastating earthquake last month.
Canada's finance minister announced at a summit in Iqaluit, northern Canada, that Group of Seven countries planned to cancel Haiti's bilateral debts.
Jim Flaherty said he would encourage international lenders to do the same.
Some $1.2bn (£800m) of Haiti's debts to countries and international lending bodies has already been cancelled.
"We are committed in the G7 to the forgiveness of debt, in fact all bilateral debt has been forgiven by G7 countries vis-a-vis Haiti," Mr Flaherty said at the end of the two day gathering of finance ministers.
According to the BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8502567.stm)
Noted, this debt should have been forgiven long ago. How, when France was able to profit off NO taxes and FREE (slave) labor for hundreds of years, does Haiti owe France? France owes Haiti! And if Spain France and Portugal and Britain were to moetize and pay back the present value of the free labor thay brutally and inhumanely ravaged through enslavement to all the colonies, all of them would be bankrupt! Free labor gave a leaping head start and a massive unforgivable and immoral foundational advantage to the economies of the West, which is largely responsible for their currentl dominance.
But anyway that is off topic!!!!!
It is wonderful that the G7 has agreed to forgive Haiti's debt and is urging multilaterals to do the same.
The G7 (Canada, the US, UK, France, Germany, Italy and Japan) have pledged to write off the debts that Haiti owes them, following a devastating earthquake last month.
Canada's finance minister announced at a summit in Iqaluit, northern Canada, that Group of Seven countries planned to cancel Haiti's bilateral debts.
Jim Flaherty said he would encourage international lenders to do the same.
Some $1.2bn (£800m) of Haiti's debts to countries and international lending bodies has already been cancelled.
"We are committed in the G7 to the forgiveness of debt, in fact all bilateral debt has been forgiven by G7 countries vis-a-vis Haiti," Mr Flaherty said at the end of the two day gathering of finance ministers.
According to the BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8502567.stm)
Noted, this debt should have been forgiven long ago. How, when France was able to profit off NO taxes and FREE (slave) labor for hundreds of years, does Haiti owe France? France owes Haiti! And if Spain France and Portugal and Britain were to moetize and pay back the present value of the free labor thay brutally and inhumanely ravaged through enslavement to all the colonies, all of them would be bankrupt! Free labor gave a leaping head start and a massive unforgivable and immoral foundational advantage to the economies of the West, which is largely responsible for their currentl dominance.
But anyway that is off topic!!!!!
It is wonderful that the G7 has agreed to forgive Haiti's debt and is urging multilaterals to do the same.
What is biochar?????
According to wikipedia,
Biochar is charcoal created by pyrolysis of biomass, and differs from charcoal only in the sense that its primary use is not for fuel, but for biosequestration or atmospheric carbon capture and storage.[1] Charcoal is a stable solid rich in carbon content, and thus, can be used to lock carbon in the soil. Biochar is of increasing interest because of concerns about climate change caused by emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases (GHG). Carbon dioxide capture also ties up large amounts of oxygen and requires energy for injection (as via carbon capture and storage), whereas the biochar process breaks into the carbon dioxide cycle, thus releasing oxygen as did coal formation hundreds of millions of years ago. Biochar is a way for carbon to be drawn from the atmosphere and is a solution to reducing the global impact of farming (and in reducing the impact from all agricultural waste). Since biochar can sequester carbon in the soil for hundreds to thousands of years[2], it has received considerable interest as a potential tool to slow global warming. The burning and natural decomposition of trees and agricultural matter contributes a large amount of CO2 released to the atmosphere. Biochar can store this carbon in the ground, potentially making a significant reduction in atmospheric GHG levels; at the same time its presence in the earth can improve water quality, increase soil fertility, raise agricultural productivity and reduce pressure on old growth forests.[3]
The question is- with the costs of biochar and requisite technology, how can it be leveraged for countries that need it most???
Countries like haiti, ethiopia- countries where once fertile landscapes are in virtual disrepair and thus prospect for agricultural auto-sustenance and food security are super dim.
When I find some answers to this, I'll be sure to post.
Biochar is charcoal created by pyrolysis of biomass, and differs from charcoal only in the sense that its primary use is not for fuel, but for biosequestration or atmospheric carbon capture and storage.[1] Charcoal is a stable solid rich in carbon content, and thus, can be used to lock carbon in the soil. Biochar is of increasing interest because of concerns about climate change caused by emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases (GHG). Carbon dioxide capture also ties up large amounts of oxygen and requires energy for injection (as via carbon capture and storage), whereas the biochar process breaks into the carbon dioxide cycle, thus releasing oxygen as did coal formation hundreds of millions of years ago. Biochar is a way for carbon to be drawn from the atmosphere and is a solution to reducing the global impact of farming (and in reducing the impact from all agricultural waste). Since biochar can sequester carbon in the soil for hundreds to thousands of years[2], it has received considerable interest as a potential tool to slow global warming. The burning and natural decomposition of trees and agricultural matter contributes a large amount of CO2 released to the atmosphere. Biochar can store this carbon in the ground, potentially making a significant reduction in atmospheric GHG levels; at the same time its presence in the earth can improve water quality, increase soil fertility, raise agricultural productivity and reduce pressure on old growth forests.[3]
The question is- with the costs of biochar and requisite technology, how can it be leveraged for countries that need it most???
Countries like haiti, ethiopia- countries where once fertile landscapes are in virtual disrepair and thus prospect for agricultural auto-sustenance and food security are super dim.
When I find some answers to this, I'll be sure to post.
Jatropha- the magical plant! and a fortune to be made in Ghana and Mexico.
In Ghana recently, I discovered a magical plant that has promise to revolutionize the biofuel industry. This man introduced it to us over dinner- I thought it was olive oil and was going to pour some on my salad! BUT he explained, it was oil from jatropha. The Ghanaians looked interested and perplexed. The oil from Jatropha???
Jatropha, a weed that can grow thrive and multiply in the worst conditions, a weed as common as disdained as poison ivy, a weed poisonous for human consumption- Jatropha, the biofuel of the future!!!!!
According to wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jatropha)
"Currently the oil from Jatropha curcas seeds is used for making biodiesel fuel in Philippines and in Brazil, where it grows naturally and in plantations in the Southeast, and the North/Northeast Brazil. Likewise, jatropha oil is being promoted as an easily grown biofuel crop in hundreds of projects throughout India and other developing countries.[1][6] The railway line between Mumbai and Delhi is planted with Jatropha and the train itself runs on 15-20% biodiesel.[1] In Africa, cultivation of Jatropha is being promoted and it is grown successfully in countries such as Mali.[7] In the Gran Chaco of Paraguay, where also a native variety (Jatropha matacensis) grows, studies have shown suitability of Jatropha cultivation[8] [9] and agro producers are starting to consider planting in the region.[10]"
According to the energy blog (http://thefraserdomain.typepad.com/energy/2007/02/jetropha_europe.html)
"Jatropha burns with one fifth the carbon emission of fossil fuels, making Africa's hardscrabble ground a potentially fertile source of energy. Scientists estimate that if even a quarter of the continent's arable land were plowed into jatropha plantations, output would surpass 20 million barrels a day."
Ghana is supposed ramping up production and Mexico may be ramping up production to export to the US market. Currently cultivation is illegal in the US.
Jatropha, a weed that can grow thrive and multiply in the worst conditions, a weed as common as disdained as poison ivy, a weed poisonous for human consumption- Jatropha, the biofuel of the future!!!!!
According to wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jatropha)
"Currently the oil from Jatropha curcas seeds is used for making biodiesel fuel in Philippines and in Brazil, where it grows naturally and in plantations in the Southeast, and the North/Northeast Brazil. Likewise, jatropha oil is being promoted as an easily grown biofuel crop in hundreds of projects throughout India and other developing countries.[1][6] The railway line between Mumbai and Delhi is planted with Jatropha and the train itself runs on 15-20% biodiesel.[1] In Africa, cultivation of Jatropha is being promoted and it is grown successfully in countries such as Mali.[7] In the Gran Chaco of Paraguay, where also a native variety (Jatropha matacensis) grows, studies have shown suitability of Jatropha cultivation[8] [9] and agro producers are starting to consider planting in the region.[10]"
According to the energy blog (http://thefraserdomain.typepad.com/energy/2007/02/jetropha_europe.html)
"Jatropha burns with one fifth the carbon emission of fossil fuels, making Africa's hardscrabble ground a potentially fertile source of energy. Scientists estimate that if even a quarter of the continent's arable land were plowed into jatropha plantations, output would surpass 20 million barrels a day."
Ghana is supposed ramping up production and Mexico may be ramping up production to export to the US market. Currently cultivation is illegal in the US.
Monday, January 11, 2010
An eco-friendly solution to favelas?
Over 1 billion people live in slums in the developing world. Many of them pay nothing and that's one advantage of many slums- no taxes, no deeds or titles, you build it, you inhabit it! However, the high price of living in slums is hardly worthwhile- few public services , whether electricity, water or transportation, high crime, lack of protection or security. Fortunately, governments around the world have been taking a greater interest in investing the public services, access and resource base, including human capital, in slums. And they should- its too large a proportion of the population to ignore!
I'm very impressed to learn of efforts to expand access to land, by facilitating the lower cost and shorter, more streamlined application processes. As far as policymaking, this seems like an win-win scenario but there are some ministries more concerned with lining their pockets than investing the time and energy to make land more accessible to their common man. Anyway, according to the World Bank's Doing Business 2010, Angola, Ethiopia, Mauritius, Rwanda and Sierra Leone were among the few African countries that made it easier to register property this year. In Latin America, Guatemala, Panama and Peru were also positive reformers. But I was also disappointed to note that the countries were it was most costly to register property ( as a percentage of home value, of course) were overwhelmingly in Africa.
Check it out:
http://www.doingbusiness.org/ExploreTopics/RegisteringProperty/?direction=Asc&sort=4
Thats a tangent, by the way!
I'm also so happy to see a broader variety of mortgage options and financial products appear in developing countries. 20 and 30 year extended term mortgages are now making home ownership a reality, not a lofty dream, for the middle-class in Brazil! This is a big deal!
http://www.bnamericas.com/news/banking/Private_banks_set_to_boost_mortgage_lending_50*_this_year
But I'm most hyphy about this:
http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/01/22/5000-dollar-recycled-paper-house
I think this $5,000 eco-friendly durable house is the coolest thing! My friend just bought a house for 8,000 USD in the favela in Rio and it was nowhere as nice or as green as this. Besides governments buying these wholesales and having them assembled( which is unlikely), I wonder how this model could be replicated for urban slum ihabitants en masse
I'm very impressed to learn of efforts to expand access to land, by facilitating the lower cost and shorter, more streamlined application processes. As far as policymaking, this seems like an win-win scenario but there are some ministries more concerned with lining their pockets than investing the time and energy to make land more accessible to their common man. Anyway, according to the World Bank's Doing Business 2010, Angola, Ethiopia, Mauritius, Rwanda and Sierra Leone were among the few African countries that made it easier to register property this year. In Latin America, Guatemala, Panama and Peru were also positive reformers. But I was also disappointed to note that the countries were it was most costly to register property ( as a percentage of home value, of course) were overwhelmingly in Africa.
Check it out:
http://www.doingbusiness.org/ExploreTopics/RegisteringProperty/?direction=Asc&sort=4
Thats a tangent, by the way!
I'm also so happy to see a broader variety of mortgage options and financial products appear in developing countries. 20 and 30 year extended term mortgages are now making home ownership a reality, not a lofty dream, for the middle-class in Brazil! This is a big deal!
http://www.bnamericas.com/news/banking/Private_banks_set_to_boost_mortgage_lending_50*_this_year
But I'm most hyphy about this:
http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/01/22/5000-dollar-recycled-paper-house
I think this $5,000 eco-friendly durable house is the coolest thing! My friend just bought a house for 8,000 USD in the favela in Rio and it was nowhere as nice or as green as this. Besides governments buying these wholesales and having them assembled( which is unlikely), I wonder how this model could be replicated for urban slum ihabitants en masse
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Value Chain Analysis Wiki from USAID
For those of us engaging in Value Chain Development, USAID has an awesome wiki with helpful information>>>
http://apps.develebridge.net/amap/index.php/Value_Chain_Development
http://apps.develebridge.net/amap/index.php/Value_Chain_Development
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