<incom> peer-to-peer aid

[Geert Lovink]

(Dutch newspapers start to report about the rise in so-called 
do-it-yourself development aid. Is there really something like a 
peer-to-peer shift, away from the large government agencies and NGOs? 
How about structural change? It is not realistic to expect that 
individuals will provide a better infrastructure for the poor, such as 
health care, water and housing. The p2p aid is a demand-driven model. 
Any of you have an opinion about this Internet driven people-to-people 
aid? Geert)

 From the http://www.kivo.org website:

We let you loan to the working poor

  Kiva lets you connect with and loan money to unique small businesses 
in the developing world. By choosing a business on Kiva.org, you can 
"sponsor a business" and help the world's working poor make great 
strides towards economic independence. Throughout the course of the 
loan (usually 6-12 months), you can receive email journal updates from 
the business you've sponsored. As loans are repaid, you get your loan 
money back.

We partner with organizations all over the world

Kiva partners with existing microfinance institutions. In doing so, we 
gain access to outstanding entrepreneurs from impoverished communities 
world-wide. Our partners are experts in choosing qualified borrowers. 
That said, they are usually short on funds. Through Kiva.org, our 
partners upload their borrower profiles directly to the site so you can 
lend to them.

We show you where your money goes

  Kiva provides a data-rich, transparent lending platform for the poor. 
We are constantly working to make the system more transparent to show 
how money flows throughout the entire cycle. The below diagram shows 
briefly how money gets from you to a third-world borrower, and back!

We facilitate connections

Kiva is using the power of the internet to facilitate one-to-one 
connections that were previously prohibitively expensive. Child 
sponsorship has always been a high overhead business. Kiva creates a 
similar interpersonal connection at much lower costs due to the 
instant, inexpensive nature of internet delivery. The individuals 
featured on our website are real people who need a loan and waiting for 
socially-minded individuals like you to lend them money.

Other URLs mentioned in the NRC Handelsblad article of 27.1.2007:

http://www.zopa.com
http://www.prosper.com
http://www.globalgiving.com