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Out of Poverty: What Works When Traditional Approaches Fail (BK Currents (Hardcover))

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Author: Paul Polak
Publisher: Berrett-Koehler Publishers
Category: Book

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Format: Illustrated
Media: Hardcover
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 232
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.2
Dimensions (in): 9.4 x 6.2 x 0.7

ISBN: 1576754499
Dewey Decimal Number: 362.56
EAN: 9781576754498
ASIN: 1576754499

Publication Date: February 1, 2008
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Customer Reviews:

Showing reviews 6-10 of 12

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A fresh look at dollar-a-day poverty May 23, 2008
This book summarizes Mr. Polak's work with his company, IDE (International Development Enterprises), which focuses on creating affordable, useful products that can assist small-plot farmers in developing countries to increase their income. Throughout, he presents salient and frankly obvious points about the very poor and their needs that most aid organizations either ignore or just never thought to address. For instance, from his introduction: "The biggest reason most poor people are poor is because they don't have enough money." See? Obvious. br /br /The point is, however, most aid organizations don't address this root problem, choosing instead to go for big, showy projects that cost a lot and sound really ambitious, but just don't do anything to benefit the average very poor family. Polak suggests a twelve point plan to create programs that can really benefit the very poor. These include things like talking to people with the problem you are interested in, and really listening to what they have to say about it; learning everything possible about the problem's specific context; thinking in terms of scalability; developing measurable outcomes; and designing to specific cost and price targets. br /br /The book tells the story of how one family in Bangladesh was able to move from barely surviving on less than $1 a day and not having enough food to make it through the year to relative prosperity and a much more comfortable lifestyle. This was made possible in part by their access to affordable, small-scale irrigation equipment, allowing them to make more effective use of their other resources - their land and their physical labor. Polak points out that when families can earn more money, they almost automatically do things like improve their diets, further their education, seek better healthcare, and generally become more empowered to improve their lives in the ways they see fit, according to their own priorities. br /br /It took some mental acrobatics for me to begin to accept the concept of dollar a day farmers as "consumers" rather than "aid recipients." But as a market this group has a huge, untapped potential. There are something like 800 million small farmers; the combined purchasing power (given the right products and a little access to credit) would be enormous. Overall, I found this book engaging and its message hopeful and practical. It certainly provides food for thought.

4 out of 5 stars

Inspiring book, leaves a little to be desired though May 9, 2008
6 out of 7 found this review helpful

An inspiring book that makes one think about the greater good that can come out of poverty eradication how we can all be a part of it.br /br /Criticism:br /br /1. Author does not cover how he made the transition from being a psychiatrist to creating IDE. This makes it harder to understand how one can participate in this cause, even if one wanted to.br /br /2. While the book is a great food for thought, it seems to be more focused on the destination rather than the journey. At times, it reads more like a journal which may be intentional, but this inconsistency gives the reader, a rather half baked impression.br /br /3. Author's disagreement with major organizations such as the UN feel like a rant at times, as he only criticizes them without putting forth any concrete suggestions for bigger issues such as infrastructure (development of roads, bridges, dam development, power generation, healthcare educational programs).br /br /[...]

5 out of 5 stars

The Genius of Simplicity April 28, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

Paul Polak allows readers the privileged of a front row seat to his methods of successful innovation while addressing issues of poverty. Here is proof that real genius is in searching for the most direct solutions and insisting on effectiveness. Well worth studying in depth. My copy is now well marked for future application. Bravo Mr. Polak! Thank you for sharing your process.

5 out of 5 stars

Practical approach to development April 26, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful

Polak presents a very concrete approach to development especially on issue of bringing up poor people who are entrepreneurs in their daily struggle for life. With the irrigation of one acre-farm techniques and the slum people creativities, to the designers who can do simple tools well designed for the 90 percent instead of only the main 10 percent whom they are used to design for, Polak brings a new look and fresh understanding to how development experts and agencies need to start listening to local people.

5 out of 5 stars

An outstanding summary of 26 years focused on the small plot farmer March 17, 2008
13 out of 13 found this review helpful

Polak comes from a very practical, farmer-focused perspective that acknowledges the broader poverty debate but puts a premium on what the farmer wants and needs, and focuses on market-based products and solutions that help farmers get out of poverty. The drip irrigation systems, treadle pumps, water storage and other products described in the book are the definition of demand-driven and are offered at prices farmers can afford and in ways that make money for those providing the products. All of the solutions in the book are offered through markets, and always take into account scalability and sustainability (acknowledging the need for some subsidy or other financing mechanism up front to prove the case). br /br /The power of Polak's arguments are in the examples that he weaves throughout the book. (His skepticism of "the experts" comes through in some of the examples in helpful ways as well). After having read a number of the current development thinkers, I would recommend this book above the others for its ability to start with the needs of the poor farmer, highlight solutions, explain why they are sustainable through markets, and issue a challenge to development professionals and product designers around the world for how to make money while also serving the needs of the poor who represent a large and untapped market. br /br /The book made me want to go out and start a business that serves such large unmet needs. I highly recommend the book - a good read and a great, practical, down-to-earth reminder of what matters to people who live on less than $1/day -- affordability and practical use.

Copyright 2007 White Hat Communications.
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