Fast-tracking poverty reduction

In the world of poverty reduction, shortcuts will not work, but there are various ways to speed up the process and increase the impact of projects (such as that mentioned in the previous post):

+For example, it is now popular to try to leverage your resources to gain other resources so that the impact of your contribution is bigger. Other resources could be from governments, other businesses, other partners or from local populations (remember that when locals have to contribute for something they always value it and respect it more).

+Another popular option is to organise a competitive process. The idea being that although the contribution only reaches (say) 5 people, (maybe) 15 people were inspired to try (and thus might continue even without your prize) and you can be sure the person/project you support is the best one to support. Competitions can be a great way to discover and promote new ideas especially.

+Partnerships, as always, can (though not always) create situations where the whole is greater than the sum of the parts, especially, if in the case of a poverty related project, the value of the in-kind contribution would otherwise be prohibitively high (products, labour, advice etc).

+Learning from previous lessons and sharing your lessons with others helps ensure that projects become iteratively better, and if your project was successful or developed some resources that can be useful for others, they should be promoted and shared to increase their impact.

+Although organising conferences is an old favourite of many, and criticised and expensive by many others, there is a need for these kinds of activities. Though much could more could be written on these, it is important such events have clearly defined goals, are designed to achieve those goals and is not an event in isolation. Ultimately some events, like the Global Clinton Initiative or TED have value incredibly greater than the cost of organising them, though for others I am not sure. Tip: if your conference is related to poverty reduction or environmental sustainability, don't have expensive or environmentally unsustainable events!

+Choosing between starting something new and potentially successful vs. selecting something already successful and scaling it up is difficult. Both are needed and both have great impact -ultimately the choice here will depend on the specific options available.

+Try to use human nature and the market, rather than always trying to change it (though there is a place for this as well). Even altering is easier than changing! The old saying of 'banging your head against a brick wall' is very valid and many people do not realise this. Though the temptation is to head straight for the target, a more convoluted path may, in fact, be better. Incentives and punishments need to be used in the right way and in the right combination.