A novel self help scheme was established in the United Kingdom in 1991 to give homeless people the chance to make an income. The Big Issue is a magazine sold on the streets by vendors in need of an honest income. It campaigns on behalf of homeless people and highlights the major social issues of the day. It allows homeless people to voice their views and opinions, as well as providing them with an opportunity to earn a living.

Migration of the landless and very poor into the arid or semi-arid land areas of Kenya is of major concern and is a primary factor in the formulation of rural and agricultural policies for IFAD. During the 1990s, the economy weakened. Causes of this decline include 'stop-go' macroeconomic policies, the slow pace of structural reform and persistent government problems. High real lending rates and other high costs of doing business in Kenya, including corruption, lack of security and deteriorating infrastructure were reflected in low rates of investment. This, in turn, further weakened the economy. The rural economy and agricultural production, in particular, are of primary importance for most Kenyans' livelihood. The population is predominantly rural (85%) and agriculture is the backbone of the national economy, providing employment for 70% of the national workforce. Smallholder production dominates the sector, accounting for over 60% of the total cultivated area. The rural sector's development and well being was and remains a principal objective of IFAD.

Buttering Up

Peanuts are nutritious and high in energy. The seeds contain between 40 to 50 percent oil and between 20 to 30 percent protein. They are an excellent source of B vitamins. Peanut oil is popular as a high quality salad and cooking oil and it is commonly used in margarine. Many types of peanuts exist. Large seeded varieties are used for roasting and confectionery, and small seeded types are used for peanut butter and oil. Once the peanuts have been harvested, the plants can be used as feed for livestock such as cattle.

Get Mobile

The Grameen Bank of Bangladesh has earned fame as the pioneer of credit services for poor rural people throughout the country. One of the primary reasons for the existence of the Grameen Bank is to help the poorest people to gain access to the small loans they need to set up micro-business so that, slowly but surely, more and more people can work themselves out of poverty.

Pasqua's Paradise

Tourism is the world's largest industry, affecting the lives of millions of people. While it can bring benefits, these are seldom spread evenly. People in many tourist destinations are now counting the cost of development that has failed to put their interests and rights on a par with their visitors. Livelihoods are being lost, religions and cultural traditions debased and environments degraded.

TVE/ Practical Action gratefully acknowledge support for the HANDS ON programmes from the UK's Department for International Development (DFID), the European Commission (EC), the UN Foundation and UNDP/The Equator Initiative in collaboration with the Government of Canada, IDRC, IUCN, BrasilConnects and the Nature Conservancy.