Using matches to communicate;
killing kerosene

The blog, NextBillion, brings us two red hot ideas NGOs can use:

1. Match Point

Question: Which manufactured consumer product has the deepest market penetration in rural India?

Answer: Matches

In fact, 97% of rural households purchase matches on a monthly basis. Matches are a unique product because of their high, constant demand and low price point.Their ubiquitous presence provides fascinating insights into India’s rural distribution networks, and offer potential ways to inform and interact with India’s relatively untouched market.

2. D.Light full

Dubbed by its staff the “$10 Kerosene Killer” the Kiran is the world’s most affordable quality solar lamp.

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There are more than 1 million deaths every year attributed to kerosene lamps; 62% of the people who die are under the age of fourteen, according to the World Health Organization. If that weren’t enough, kerosene lamps are responsible for at least 100 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually. Every D.Light sold – every non-kerosene lamp sold, for that matter – eliminates one or more kerosene lamp, fighting the scourge of kerosene.

The Kiran is not just a kerosene killer; it is also a livelihood-enhancer. According to the UNDP, the ability to engage in nighttime activities increases the average poor family’s income by up to 30 percent.