THE RISING TIDE

IDE Canada's Quarterly Newsletter

A rising tide lifts all boats. So goes the argument that a growing national economy will buoy up everyone’s fortune. Those of us who have lived and/or worked in places of intense poverty know that sometimes people living in poverty find it difficult to access the riches of economic growth and market opportunity. IDE’s mission is to make sure that the rising tide lifts not only the luxury liners but also the small, leaky fishing boats and the open rafts – the billions of people living in the backwaters of the global economy. The title of this new quarterly IDE newsletter is inspired by our belief that those living at the “bottom of the pyramid” are customers and entrepreneurs – people with the drive, the ideas and the ability to survive and thrive in the global economy. We strive to make markets work for the poor.

The title of our new newsletter is also significant for its focus on water. Water has long been IDE’s primary focus. We believe that for millions of rural households that rely on agriculture for their livelihood, access to and control of water is critical for survival and success. Over the past 26 years, IDE has designed and refined extremely low-cost water technologies that promote prosperity and health. Most importantly, these products are affordable for families living on a dollar a day. From foot-powered treadle pumps to drip irrigation kits to water purifiers, IDE has relentlessly pursued affordable products that can dramatically improve lives and livelihoods.

Finally, a rising tide also symbolizes a sea change – a shift in reality that heralds a new beginning and new opportunity. IDE’s founder Paul Polak speaks about four revolutions that are necessary to end poverty: revolutions in agriculture, water, design and markets. This newsletter will document these revolutions and what we as Canadians can do to meaningfully fight the pandemic of global poverty.