Amy Stratton is the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy's Rural Communities Organizer. She works to find viable solutions to economic and environmental challenges rural communities face. "In the Field" is Amy's blog from her travels throughout the Midwest.
Not long ago, a New York Times article caught my attention. It was about Kiva, an organization that connects lenders with entrepreneurs in the developing world. From their web site, it appears many entreprenuers work in agriculture or agriculture related businesses.
Basically, you visit Kiva's web site and view the profiles of people in developing countries who are seeking financing for their business. Then, you can become a lender yourself by providing funds to a specific entrepreneur. Once the loan is paid back, you decide if you wish to help another person, or withdraw. Oh, and did I mention that you get project updates from the entrepreneur posted at Kiva's web site too?
While not specifically targeted to rural communities, it's a unique economic tool for all people in developing countries to reach economic Independence.
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