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The Devex Book Club

The Devex Book Club

Written by: Devex
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About this listen

 It seems like every day there’s an important new book being written on global challenges like poverty and climate change. This podcast is for anyone fascinated by books like these, especially the ones that challenge preconceived notions and present innovative ideas.

Each month, Devex President and Editor-in-Chief Raj Kumar will sit down with a different author, academic, or development practitioner to discuss a new dimension of these constantly evolving sectors.Copyright Devex Art
Episodes
  • The food paradox: Why those who feed us can't feed themselves with Roger Thurow

    The food paradox: Why those who feed us can't feed themselves with Roger Thurow
    Apr 28 2025
    Summary
    Award-winning journalist Roger Thurow reveals how conventional farming practices are simultaneously depleting resources and failing millions of farmers worldwide. His investigation finds that many receiving food aid are actually food producers, highlighting a fundamental flaw in global agricultural systems. Drawing from field research across multiple continents, Thurow highlights promising indigenous and regenerative farming approaches that could transform global food systems while addressing climate challenges.

    Chapters
    00:00 The Collision of Nourishment and Planetary Health
    02:30 The Journey into Agriculture and Food Security
    05:42 Unintended Consequences of Agricultural Practices
    10:25 Lessons from Farmers: Regret and Resilience
    14:26 The Debate: Regenerative vs. Modern Agriculture
    20:08 Indigenous Knowledge and Innovation in Agriculture
    25:15 The Role of Farmers in Global Agriculture
    27:54 The Importance of Listening to Farmers

    Want to stay updated on the latest news in global development? Subscribe to Devex’s Newswire: https://www.devex.com/newsletters/newswire
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    29 mins
  • Vulnerability as risk: Garance Wattez-Richard on insuring the emerging middle class

    Vulnerability as risk: Garance Wattez-Richard on insuring the emerging middle class
    Apr 15 2025
    Summary
    Garance Wattez-Richard, CEO of AXA EssentiALL, discusses the transformative potential of inclusive insurance in addressing vulnerabilities, particularly in low and middle-income countries. She sits down with Raj Kumar to share her journey into the insurance industry, the evolution of microinsurance, and the importance of regulatory frameworks. The discussion highlights the profitability of inclusive insurance and its critical role in achieving sustainable development goals, especially in the context of climate change.

    Chapters
    00:00 The Risk of Vulnerability
    00:47 Revolutionizing Insurance for All
    01:37 A Journey into Development and Insurance
    06:45 The Evolution of Microinsurance
    11:41 Profitability in Inclusive Insurance
    14:50 The Risks of Insurance Solutions
    19:15 Regulatory Challenges in Emerging Markets
    23:07 Insurance as a Core Development Activity
    28:13 The Future of Insurance and Development

    Want to stay updated on the latest news in global development? Subscribe to Devex’s Newswire: https://www.devex.com/newsletters/newswire
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    31 mins
  • Business in challenging markets: Viva Ona Bartkus on building businesses in fragile economies

    Business in challenging markets: Viva Ona Bartkus on building businesses in fragile economies
    Apr 3 2025
    Summary
    Discover why "business as usual" fails in the world's toughest places. Viva Ona Bartkus sits down with Raj Kumar to reveal the counterintuitive tactics that unlock massive opportunities where others fear to tread. Learn why:
    • The most successful security strategy isn't higher walls – it's community ownership
    • How to turn "middlemen with guns" into business partners
    • Why Chinese companies are winning while Western firms hesitate
    Plus: The radical partnership model that's transforming dangerous markets from Uganda to Colombia. Bartkus shares explosive insights from 15+ years working with multinationals, Special Forces, and local communities in conflict zones.

    Chapters
    00:00 Embedding Business in Local Communities
    01:53 The Journey to Frontline Markets
    07:02 Understanding Market Dynamics
    11:18 The Role of Middlemen in Local Economies
    12:45 Security Through Community Engagement
    16:14 The Next Round of Globalization
    20:02 The Competitive Landscape of Global Investment
    23:42 Collaboration Between Security and Development
    25:28 Bridging the Gap Between Business and Humanitarian Efforts
    28:41 The Role of ESG in Business Strategies
    31:17 Adapting Business Models for Extractive Industries
    36:43 The Future of Development Finance

    Want to stay updated on the latest news in global development? Subscribe to Devex’s Newswire: https://www.devex.com/newsletters/newswire
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    41 mins
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