How the private sector can contribute to poverty reduction

This new study is drawing the lessons from a series of seven case studies conducted in stages between 2004 and 2008.

These case studies are a follow-up to the original study “Poverty alleviation as a business – the market creation approach to development” by Urs Heierli, first published in March 2000. Reviewing a rich set of experiences in nutrition, sanitation, safe water, malaria control, water control, organic cotton and brick production, this book deals with the issues of harmonising the best mix of public and private sector interventions.

A series of practical and theoretical discussions and recommendations show how public and private sectors can jointly achieve development objectives. The seven case studies are summarised in this volume. Each study is available as a separate publication (see case studies).

Download the study

Hardcopies can be ordered (free) from SDC, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation by sending an email to: e-i@deza.admin.ch

The seven case studies – listed below – are summarised in this volume. Each study is available as a separate publication.

Four case studies on supply chains:

Two case studies on value chains:

One case study on transforming industrial sectors: