Archive for November, 2009
Agricultural Innovation Diffusion through Microfinance – A Spatio-Temporal Analysis
There have been several criticisms leveled at the microfinance industry over the years. One concern raised by many sceptics is that while microfinance has proved to be a poverty-reducing enabler, it is often indifferent or oblivious to the realities on the ground. The standard model does not always seem to apply its self in every encountered situation.
According to Cameroonian researchers E. N Ndenecho and K. H. Akum, microfinance operations in the Mezam division have not had a significant impact on the largely-agricultural population. Through spatio-temporal analysis of primary and secondary data, the authors analyze the adoption and spread of microfinance in the region. The study concludes that while microfinance has had positive but insufficient impact on agricultural development. To make its reach more successful, the authors recommend microfinance institutions make financial and technical assistance available to the poor by adapting to local realities, and structures while introducing innovations within institutions and processes.
Read the entire article here.
Sustainable Energy Solutions for Rural India
Rural electrification still remains an area for much-needed development in India. While today many urban areas are focusing on sustainable living, several rural areas in India have for long used sustainable energy, such as bio fuel. In their article, “Sustainable biomass power for rural India,” authors N.H. Ravindranath, H.I. Somashekar, S. Dasappa and C. N. Jayasheela Reddy discuss the case of biomass gasifiers to meet rural electrification needs. The abstract to their paper is presented below.
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The performance and impact of a decentralized biomass gasifier-based power generation system in an unelectrified village are presented. In Hosahalli village, Karnataka, India, lighting, drinking water, irrigation water and flour-milling services are provided using power derived from the biomass gasifier-based power generation system. The system consists of a 20 kW gasifier-engine generator system with all the accessories for fuel processing and electricity distribution. The biomass power system has functioned for over 14 years (1988–2004) in Hosahalli village (population of 218 during 2003), meeting all the electricity needs of the village. Lighting and piped drinking water supply using biomass electricity was provided for over 85% of the days during the past six years. The fuel, operation and maintenance cost ranged from Rs 5.85/kWh at a load of 5 kW to Rs 3.34/kWh at a load of 20 kW. Technical, social, economic and management-related lessons learnt are presented here.
Read the entire paper here.
Going Organic: Marketing Methods for Non-profit Organic Producers in India
The following is an abstract to a paper by authors K. Vijayalakshmi, M. Suresh, A.V. Balasubramaniam, and S. Aramugasamy of the Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems. The paper addresses several marketing methods adopted by organizations working closely with farmers who produce organic goods.
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The purpose of this study was to understand different forms of enterprises that an NGO in India can choose to promote and operate the commercial activity of marketing organic products and at the same time safeguard the farmers’ interest. Five enterprises having different structures were studied. It was concluded that if the enterprise model carried out as a society is proven viable, it would not be difficult to attract mutual fund investors particularly those keen on supporting rural enterprises. After the initial phase of establishment when the enterprise operations have stabilized and matured, the enterprise can be converted into a suitable form as a producer, public or private limited company, depending on the interest of the stakeholders. The results and analysis of this study would provide insights to various other development organisations involved in organic cultivation and marketing.
Read the entire article here.