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"Don't give them fish; teach them how to fish." Is that enough!


Every time we think about poverty, it's easy to see it from one perspective.


The most common worldview on poverty is "Don't give them fish; teach them how to fish."
As this is a great concept, we wrestle with how we need to think about it. Teaching them how to fish is a one-size-fits-all approach that works in one context but not all. It also needs to be fleshed out.

 We do not stand at one point globally and see the world differently; we actually see a different world. We see very differently when we see from the ground.

From where we recognize that:
a) There are very many systematic issues that contribute to what we call poverty. It's not just teaching them how to fish.

b) Fishing is done differently, and fishing is technologically supported.
c) We must listen actively to what the locals need and understand their unique perspectives.
d)Sometimes, there is no water available to fish. How do we bring water to them?

e)The community has to be part of the provided initiatives. They see way wider and broader than we see. We see fishing as a solution; sometimes, they think fishing isn't the solution. If they can't own the fishing, it remains a foreign concept.

d)When you teach them how to fish, and they get to fish, what do they do with the fish? You must think about systems that enable them to earn from their fishing. What markets are available? Who are the middlemen? Can you counter the middlemen, bring them to the market with an equal footing, and have them harvest the same benefits as the big shots. What if they bring their fish and compete with fish imported from other places that are way cheaper?

e) Let's say they get an income; how do they use it. Many will start to ask them to save!! So, how do you save when you haven't met your basic needs? Savings are set aside after one has met their basic needs. Not luxurious living but basic needs.


f) The issues affecting poverty are social, economic, environmental, and cultural dimensions. We must not be ignorant of the fact that their mindsets have to be ready to start fishing. Because it's not an easy task. 

A lot of people in poverty are not lazy; they work so hard, but systems are meant to keep them where they are. We must never equate poverty with laziness! No, we cannot. We must also not make people dependent on donor funding! No, we can't! We must think about the issues compassionately and find ways to engage.

In community development, seeing different worlds means appreciating the rich tapestry of human experience and understanding that solutions must be as diverse as the communities they serve. We must keep learning what it means for our society to deal with poverty.






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