IDE is a different kind of non-profit organization. We are dedicated to ending poverty in the developing world not through handouts, but by helping poor farmers invest in their own success. Our core values are:
We believe in the right of poor women and men to a secure livelihood
We believe that markets can be a powerful force for poverty reduction
We listen to and learn from the people we work with
We value innovation and entrepreneurship
We have confidence in our ability to make a significant difference
Before learning about IDE, Peter Chakanyuka, along with his wife and six children, farmed a ½ hectare plot of land. Depending upon rain for irrigation, his family could only grow maize and peanuts, with yields that were too small to sell.
After purchasing a treadle pump from a local IDE representative, the Chakanyuka family increased its irrigated land to more than two hectares in a single season, and is now cultivating high value crops...
Paul Polak's book, Out of Poverty, is now available
Polak Wins Monito del Giardino Prize
(June 1, 2008) IDE Founder Paul Polak recently traveled to Florence, Italy, to accept the prestigious Il Monito del Giardino prize. The award, which included a €30,000 grant, is presented annually...
Friends of IDE Holds First Meeting
(June 18, 2008) A new group for Denver-area residents who want to get more involved with IDE will hold its first meeting Friday, June 27, from 6-8 p.m...
Polak's Out of Poverty Now Available
(February 15, 2008) In this hard-hitting new book,IDE Founder Paul Polak tells why traditional poverty eradication programs have fallen so short, and how he and his organization developed an alternative approach that has succeeded in lifting 17 million people out of poverty...
IDE Receives Second Grant From Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
(January 25, 2008) IDE today announced a grant of $27 million over four years from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in support of its micro-irrigation programs for Indian smallholder farmers...
