Ruba Your note reminded me of a joke about a World Bank functionaire who appalled at seeing?a Mexican fisherman?snoozing under a palapa?for most of the week, admonishes the fisherman?to get up, get a loan, buy a bigger boat and go fishing full-time instead of being unproductive so that after 20 years of ever increasing fishing with more boats and people he could?finally retire to a life of leisure under a palapa... Fisherman simply replied something to the tune of "why wait 20 years to live my current life?"
Mexico has a strong government microfinance program but I have not followed it closely. I'm sure you can find similar examples in India and various areas in Africa. Even the World Bank and similar MDBs have publications on the subject. Another option is to tap into remittances and use those for productive uses rather than just consumption. A friend of mine in Mexico was looking at how to empower women to tap into these remitances to invest in better education and health services in their small localities. Be well Rafael Friedmann -----Original Message----- From: Ruba Marshood <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: gep-ed@listserve1.allegheny.edu Sent: Tue, 11 Sep 2007 7:54 pm Subject: microfinance and fisheries Hi All, Wondering if you have any ideas or have information on any microfinance programs designed to assist impoverished fishing communities to develop sustainable practices - whether that entail building their voice in their local political arena, or to develop opportunities for livelihood transitions away from fishing - or any other opportunities.? Would be happy to elaborate, though in this brainstorming stage, don't have much more to offer.? Otherwise, I am very open to any and all suggestions. Many thanks!! ruba ________________________________________________________________________ Email and AIM finally together. You've gotta check out free AOL Mail! - http://mail.aol.com
