whythawk ratings: measuring effective development

1. When equality becomes unfair: South Africa's two economies
(Analysis/Analysis)

...o wheel-chair ramps.  If we were to treat all people equally then you would need a PhD just to serve coffee.  If we were to treat all people equally then you'd drag anyone in off the str...

2. "On your left is an Orc fighting a Troll" - travels in hyper-reality offer lessons for the poor
(Analysis/Analysis)

...g them with fewer opportunities, it leaves them with more and more. Consider:  If the most exciting coffee available for purchase anywhere in the world is filter coffee, then any place that does...

3. Coffee, the miracle of poverty, and other wonders
(Analysis/Analysis)

Coffee has become a symbolic flashpoint for consumer and civil-society action.  Oxfam believes the price is too low and demands that consumers pay more through their Fair Trade scheme.  All

4. May I have the bill, please? A lesson in wilful ignorance ...
(Analysis/Analysis)

....  The changes are subtle, but they are there.  They change the amount of sugar they consume in coffee.  They prefer it slightly stronger, or weaker.  McDonalds was caught complete...

5. The other losing battle: Africa's war on talent
(Analysis/Analysis)

If you ever wondered who all those people are sitting behind notebook computers enjoying cups of coffee and having long discussions are – those are the most talented at work.  They set up s

6. The poor have never had it so good ... now what?
(Analysis/Analysis)

...things they lack.  Oxfam has, since the early 1980s, assisted subsistence and micro-farmers to grow coffee around the world.  Their success at raising charitable donations for this inspired...

7. What do Richard Branson and Che Guevara have in common?
(Analysis/Analysis)

... lighting. Major retailers have come out with organic and locally sourced produce.  Restaurants and coffee shops dutifully sign up for Fair Trade goods.  Major manufacturers buy carbon cred...