Location: Home :: Books on Poverty :: Economic Conditions :: Out of Poverty: What Works When Traditional Approaches Fail (BK Currents (Hardcover))

Need a quick gift? Try Amazon gift certificates.

Don't Forget To Visit:

The New Social Worker Online

SocialWorkJobBank

Online Continuing Education for Social Workers

Amazon.com Widgets

Related Categories

•	Economic Conditions

Economics

Business Investing

Subjects

•	Communications

•

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

enlarge

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

List Price: ~~$27.95~~
Buy New: $18.45
You Save: $9.50 (34%)

New (32) Used (10) from $17.08

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
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours

Customer Reviews:

Showing reviews 6-10 of 10

« PREV

1 2

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.

5 out of 5 stars

Smart, Clear, Revolutionary and Effective January 31, 2008
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

Paul Polack's Out of Poverty is a straightforward and entertaining presentation of his outstanding discoveries in ending dollar-a-day poverty throughout the developing world. Paul's work over the past twenty-five years has helped millions of farming families invest in their own futures and this book traces his journeys and the profound understandings that became clear to him along the way. His process is revolutionary yet downright practical and simple to implement, and astonishingly effective. It was fascinating to learn how charity can actually create greater need and it is delightfully reassuring to see that his perspectives are launching a new class of thinking in Design,the creation of markets and the eradication of poverty.

5 out of 5 stars

How do we change how the world thinks and acts about dollar-a-day poverty? January 31, 2008
16 out of 16 found this review helpful

In July 2005, we met Dr. Paul Polak at the first Aspen Leadership Summit and began to understand his insights and work of twenty-five years. He described "The Four Revolutions Needed to End Poverty" in a way that inspired us as designers and problem-solvers: br /br /"I believe that nothing less than revolutions in water, agriculture, markets, and design are needed. All four are doable and practical, and I'm committed to making them happen before I die. br /br /How do we change how the world thinks and acts about dollar-a-day poverty? I want to make three things happen:br /br /Change the way design is taught in the west.br /br /Change the way design is taught in developing countries.br /br /Create a platform for 10,000 of the world's best designers to address the practical problems of the other 90% of the world's customers."br /br /This delightful book is the beginning of finding ways for everyone to jump in as major players, in a way that fits with their dreams. It's an education, an insightful and inspiring process and a great opportunity for us all.

Copyright 2007 White Hat Communications.
Disclaimer: The products referenced on this site are manufactured and sold by parties other than The New Social Worker/White Hat Communications. We make no representations regarding either the products or any information vendors offer about their products.

Visit our poster store for unique social issues posters.

Amazon.com Widgets