Changing Lives with Chili Peppers and Other Development Feats...

The World Bank’s Development Marketplace just launched its 2009 competition, which brings me back to my favorite topic: the role of creativity in development. The DM is a grant program that rewards projects that have a development impact, no matter how unconventional. From training rats to detect tuberculosis, to planting chili peppers as both a cash crop and way to keep foraging elephants away, DM projects are good
examples of the far-flung effects a single idea can have. 

Here’s a video about last year’s entries:

This year’s DM competition calls for innovative solutions toward Climate Adaptation. The 3 sub-themes are:

1) Resilience of Indigenous Peoples' Communities to Climate Risks
2) Climate Risk Management with Multiple Benefits
3) Climate Adaptation and Disaster Risk Management

And, if you happen to based in the Washington area, you may be interested in the opportunity below:

Need young, energetic people to volunteer their time for a good cause - food will be provided and you will get to know all about innovation in adaptation to climate change

The Development Marketplace global Competition on Climate Adaptation (DM2009) was launched in late March and the proposals are due by 18 May 2009. 

We are seeking junior development professionals to assist with the initial screening  of projects based on eligibility criteria from 22 to 29 May (excluding the weekend).  Familiarity with climate change adaptation would be extremely helpful. You will work with a team of 10-15 other junior staff, learn about climate adaptation and of course have fun! 

Being a DM Screener provides an opportunity to engage with professional peers from inside and outside the Bank to vet innovative ideas on climate change. The key themes for the DM 2009 are: Resilience of Indigenous Peoples Communities to Climate Risks, Climate Risk Management with Multiple Benefits and  Climate Adaptation and Disaster Risk Management.

If you are interested please contact Adriana Bianchi (abianchi@worldbank.org) with a short CV/bio and contact details.