Chickens, Cash, Development

Economics

Julio Ramos
GR 517- Managerial Economics
ICCI | Fall 2017 |
Instructor: Dr. Alicia Law
Introduction

Chickens
Cash

Poverty
“It is estimated that one billion
of the world’s population lives
in poverty and there is no
single solution that be used to
tackling poverty looks different
in different places “ Bill Gates,
2016
Why Chickens?
Gates Note – Bill Gates, 2016

• INEXPENSIVE – Relative cheap to care for chickens.

I

• GOOD INVESTMENT – Multiplier effect on

G investment.

• HELP – Alternative to malnutrition and

H nourishment.

• EMPOWER – Better management of household.

E
Chickens, Cash, Development Economics
EconTalk – Chris Blattman & Russ Roberts, Jun 2017

Recommend a
thorough Study and
Research to address
Not good economics underlying issues that
as the cost for the will later address the
initiatives outweighs major problems.
Not a practical the benefits.
solution for individuals
living in improvised
communities.
 Chris Blattman’s Approach
• Focus on Small Areas
• Not one single answser for a
large problem
• Best approach is to have the
relevant study undertaken

• Gates not to be misled with

a one side business
approach.
• Institutions and individuals
should be held to account
for failed programs.

Cash is a better option than chickens…Blattman, 2017

Blattman & Gates Position
And Good Intentions

Gates maintains that

helping individuals to help
themselves is sustainable
Blattman agrees, however a
better approach should be
taken
Both are correct as
alleviation of poverty as
contributed to economic
development over the
years
Arguments raised
Summarized

• Gates does not outline chickens will end poverty.

• While programs are costly the benefits have been proven to be
priceless.
• No evidence that a study or research in micro issues can
address every social economic issues as all issues are different.
• Further findings indicated that the chicken programs have
been beneficial in some communities. With the exception of
Bolivia that were offended by the Chickens that were given to
them.
• Humanitarian Programs should not be dismerrited as there are
various requirements that need to be completed prior to
budget and financing commitments.
 References & Credits
Blattman, C, (2017, Jun 12). Chris Blattman on Chickens, Cash, and Development Economics. Retrieved
December 17, 2017, from http://www.econtalk.org/archives/2017/07/chris_blattman_2.html

Blattman, C. (2017, March 14). Bill Gates wants to give the poor chickens. What they need is cash. Retrieved
December 13, 2017, from https://www.vox.com/the-big-idea/2017/3/14/14914996/bill-gates-chickens-cash-
africa-poor-development

Keats, P. G., Young, P. K., & Erfle, S. E. (2016). Managerial economics: economic tools for todays decision
makers.

Shapiro, J. (2017, April 14). Chickens are to Cash as Poverty is to Development – JEREMY SHAPIRO –
Medium. Retrieved December 13, 2017, from https://medium.com/@jeremypshapiro/chickens-are-to-cash-as-
poverty-is-to-development-a8d987bb4a85

Two Views on Fighting World Poverty. (n.d.). Retrieved December 13, 2017, from
https://www.cgdev.org/blog/two-views-fighting-world-poverty

Will chickens end African poverty? (n.d.). Retrieved December 13, 2017, from http://oxfamblogs.org/fp2p/will-
bill-gates-chickens-end-african-poverty/

United Nations (2010) The Millennium Development Goals Report, New York, United Nations.