GreenMicrofinancing

On the way to the opening ceremony, Dan and I had a discussion with several people from UDDIPAN . I had a chance to chat with Sawkat Ali Talukder, Deputy Director.   UDDIPAN, in Bangladesh (based in Dhaka), reaches 300,000 clients, has nearly 3,000 employees, and was founded in 1986. Approximately 20% of the clients have no electricity.  They plan on integrating a solar energy progam in the future, perhaps 1 or 2 years from now.

It was encouraging to hear during the opening ceremony several comments by dignitaries regarding the food and fuel crisis. Dr. Boediono, governor of Bank Indonesia, mentioned that food and energy prices on a global scale have escalated and we need to recalibrate our priorities in the microfinance field. Dr. Yunus also said:

"The climate condition and environmental degradation of the world makes it difficult to achieve the Millennium Development Goals"

How do we come up with solutions within the microcredit field to address this food and fuel crisis, and at the same time reduce poverty?  Share your thoughts.