[Stoves] Do "market-based", "results-based" distribution strategies get in the way of the poor.? (Taken from Re: GACC Webinar (that was, Paul, Ron))

[Paul Anderson]

On 9/8/2017 10:58 AM, Nikhil Desai wrote:
..... snipped....
>  If you recall Kirk Smith's second epiphany, one strong prevalent wind 
> has been - "Biomass stoves are better but not good enough and in any 
> case they don't command a delivery chain like LPG or electricity." If 
> not the technology, then the insistence on "market-based", 
> "results-based" distribution strategies will get in the way of the poor.
I can certainly see how such commercial distribution strategies do not 
favor the poor population (concerning stoves and other needs). But 
Nikhil's above statement bothers me.

In our 21st Century world, is there any other way to reach 500 million 
households (or significant numbers of them) that need better stoves?

?? Rely on a cadre of itinerant tinsmiths to wonder the world into the 
last mile???
??  Rely on a massive free distribution of better stoves???

Wait!!   The Indian  government IS giving away 50 million free set ups 
for LPG.    Maybe the answer IS the NOT-Market-based approach.??

Correction:  The free stoves come with strings attached, specifically 
that if refills of LPG fuel are not purchased (market approach), the 
stoves will  not give any heat.

Just asking questions.   I am not against market-based distribution.   
But does it get in the way of serving the poor? What are the alternatives?

Paul

Doc  /  Dr TLUD  /  Prof. Paul S. Anderson, PhD
Email:  psanders at ilstu.edu
Skype:   paultlud    Phone: +1-309-452-7072
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