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Global Development
The SunSpring produces 5000 gallons per day of potable water, powered by the sun. Units now at work in Haiti. FastCompany http://bit.ly/byk8Eu
MIT researchers have developed a small device that when combined with a smartphone can offer eye exams in developing countries. Fast Company http://bit.ly/9bWBXJ
Establishing foreign, sovereign enclaves within the borders of another country (think Hong Kong) may be a key to global development, argues economist Paul Romer. The Atlantic http://bit.ly/aRJztD
New proposed Stanford University guidelines would require technology companies receiving investments to be able to trace sources of "conflict minerals" such as wolframite and cassiterite. NY Times http://nyti.ms/93U1D1
A new solar lightbulb can shine for two hours after a day of charging. Costing $15, it pays for itself quickly. http://bit.ly/9xzweE
The Guttmacher Institute estimates that providing contraception to all women worldwide not now using it would cost less than $4 billion per year. Excellent op-ed by Nick Kristof | NY Times http://nyti.ms/brcweU
Development workers can make a lot of money, and as such, lose touch with the impoverished they profess to serve. One way to combat this is for officials to spend a few days every year or so living with an impoverished family. Owen Barder Blog http://bit.ly/ahbCcI
Unilever teams with NGOs to teach people the importance of washing their hands - so far over 130 million people. Economist Magazine http://bit.ly/aKbCyR
When you think about fashion, do you think about Africa? You should. Not only has the New York Times recognized that much more money gets spent in Africa on luxury goods than most people think, but focusing on fashion has become one more way for poor Africans to create prosperity.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/josh-ruxin/fashion-rwanda-and-the-po_b_397458.html
We may have heard about “agricultural imperialism” deal, in which affluent though resource-poor Middle Eastern nations lease land in poor, resource-rich African nations. These arrangements seem unfair, but, if transparently brokered, they should benefit the people of both countries, creating advantages and opportunities that lead to creation of reliable and plentiful food supplies in Africa.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/josh-ruxin/agro-imperialism-for-the_b_471809.html
Every few months, well-intentioned observers speak out against tourism in developing countries by raising the specter of exploitation. But, home-grown tourism in countries like Rwanda increases understanding between cultures; leads to more gender equality, not more exploitation; and creates real, sustainable prosperity that’s not dependent on charity.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/josh-ruxin/tourism-in-the-developing_b_500774.html
Wikipedia has become one of the most important information resources in the world, yet it has very little coverage of many countries in Africa, Asia and the Americas. A concerted effort should be made to improve coverage. The Guardian http://bit.ly/cNSBJu
ZMQ Software Systems offers a program in India answering prenatal care questions and providing education by SMS. On MobileActive.org http://bit.ly/aYO8Wa
Researchers, particularly in developing countries, are collecting survey data about aid projects and other topics in a new way: They post questions by billboard, and collect answers via SMS. On MobileActive.org http://bit.ly/a3P5Cf
A South Africa water quality testing system, "Aquatest", decentralizes water testing by distributing tools for testing and gathering data by SMS. http://bit.ly/bhgWi1
Low cost data collection + powerful analysis tools = an impressive new service in developing countries. Review of election monitoring with SMS by MobileActive.org http://bit.ly/d4Fxec
BeadforLife.org organizes "bead parties" (think tupperware) in developed countries to sell jewelry manufactured in developing countries from discarded paper. NYTimes article http://nyti.ms/d5V7Xi
MASSIVEGOOD organizes partners in the travel industry (airlines, hotels, travel agencies) to offer customers the option to donate $2 to global health with every purchase. This model could be applied to other industries as well. http://massivegood.org/
An Indian organization called 5th Pillar issues zero rupee notes for citizens to use to pay bribes, combatting corruption. http://bit.ly/4GB1pb
Husk Power Systems of India builds mini power plants that are fueled by discarded rice husks and provide power to rural villages. A Dell Social Innovation Competition grand prize winner 2008. http://bit.ly/88qjif
SolarCycle has designed a solar oven made from plastic bags, foil from chip bags, and other materials. A Dell Social Innovation Competition winner 2009. http://bit.ly/773jtg
Gardens for Health provides land, resources and training for people living with HIV in Rwanda. Dell "Social Innovations Challenge" grand winner 2009. http://bit.ly/7ACa2Y
Investing in institutional partnerships between US organizations - hospitals, medical schools, research laboratories - and counterparts in developing countries is the best way to provide opportunities for local healthcare professionals. A CSIS "SmartGlobalHealth" winning idea 2009. http://bit.ly/5rvDsr
All Haiti relief organizations are not of equal capability. CharityWatch provides grades http://bit.ly/5wBmVY, but neglects Partners in Health, which has by far the most experience in Haiti http://bit.ly/4FWqxv
Villages need power. Kids like playgrounds. Empower Playgrounds combines the two http://bit.ly/5zksG1 . Playpumps International has a similar idea for pumping water http://bit.ly/7TGvpY .
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