Agros Blog

In a recent interview with the Stanford Social Innovation Review, Jeffrey Sachs, distinguished economist and professor, renowned author, and Director of the Earth Institute, outlines why he believes ’sustainable development is humanity’s most pressing challenge’ and ‘lifting billions of people out of poverty is the first order of business.’

To that end, Sachs identifies six areas he deems crucial to ending extreme poverty:

1. Agriculture
2. Health
3. Education
4. Infrastructure
5. Business development
6. Environmental conservation

Sachs argues that we can ‘make tremendous headway against poverty, killer diseases, the lack of productivity of the rural poor, and so forth, through integrated systems-based and technology-based approaches in those six areas’—in other words, sustainable and holistic development.

We agree!  Agros’ holistic development model was devised specifically to address these areas identified by Sachs (and more) with sustainable solutions.

It all begins with helping the rural poor secure rights to quality land. After land has been secured, Agros works with the villagers on community development and implementation of sustainable, environmentally sound agricultural systems. Agros also equips the villagers to hone their skills to democratically govern their villages. And consistently threaded throughout the process are a combination of health and human development programs, as well as ongoing education and training as appropriate for the given stage of development.  Through this holistic approach to development, Agros has helped thousands of people pull themselves out of poverty by simultaneously supporting the very ecosystems they depend on for life-giving services.

When you support Agros’ work you can trust we are implementing solutions each and everyday that address these same six areas of need as outlined by Mr. Sachs.

For example, here are just a few items from Agros’ One Seed Alternative Gift Catalog that support development in those six areas of critical need:

1. Agriculture: One Acre of Seed
2. Health: Village Health Promoter Training
3. Education: Women’s Economic Initiatives Training
4. Infrastructure: A House (Startup Housing)
5. Business development: Business Training
6. Environmental conservation: Planting a Dozen Trees

Learn more about Agros’ holistic development model and how it supports these critical areas of need, our commitment to sustainability, and how you can get involved and make a difference!