Paul Collier talks about the Bottom Billion

This is an excellent talk about the bottom billion by Paul Collier, economist and author of the book of the same name (the book is on my amazon list of Books about ending global poverty). Unfortunately I had a problem seeing the video on the website but there is an audio file that can be downloaded from the Policy Innovations web site.

Paul Collier states that we need to move beyond aid and refers to policy instruments for tackling global poverty. In this talk he ellaborates on the policy instrument of governance and how to turn resources into sustained development. He also describes 5 key decision points for developing countries and how these should be adopted as voluntary international standards.

The 5 key decision points he raises are:
1. How to sell rights to mineral extraction (currently based on bribes)
2. Taxing revenues (guidance on tax regimes)
3. How much of the revenue to save
4. What to do with revenue saved (invest well domestically)
5. Efficient rate of return (how to determine estimates with international verification)

I look forward even more to reading The Bottom Billion after hearing Paul Collier talk about his ideas. A good point that he makes in closing his talk, which is relevant to many similar books is:

read it, if you agree with it, become ambassadors for the ideas

Links to the article and audio file:
The Bottom Billion: Why the Poorest Countries Are Failing and What Can Be Done About It
The Bottom Billion - Paul Collier (audio file)

Kenya Crisis: Support Kofi Annan

A presidential election tainted by vote-tampering - now Kenya’s future hangs in the balance, with over 600 killed and 250,000 made homeless. We need to act fast.

Through Avaaz.org you can add your voice to thousands of others around the world in an attempt to influence global decisions.

read more | digg story

Kenya's aid need

The violence in Kenya that resulted from the countries elections has created a humanitarian crisis that will only become more acute if the violence continues. An article by the BBC reports that 255,000 have been forced from their homes (UN warns Kenya aid need may grow) and that there is a growing risk of malnutrition.

The fragile nature of microfinance businesses and their location within communities that have been affected by the violence has most likely had an affect on these small businesses. According to Kiva.org and information they have obtained from their partners business is NOT running as usual (Kenya's humanitarian crisis).

It is sad to see that one of the most successful African nations has been affected by the spread of violence amongst its people. I hope that the main parties politicians and people with influence are able to avert any further violence that threatens the country. I also hope that the country can recover as quickly as possible so that business does return to normal, that people can return to their homes and the tourists continue to visit and thus support the country.

Some websites where you can find more information about what you can do to help include International Red Cross and the World Food Program.