Poverty Reduction through Social Business? Lessons Learnt from Grameen Joint Ventures in Bangladesh

Nobel Peace Laureate Muhammad Yunus, founded the Grameen Bank and since launching joint ventures with multinational corporations in Bangladesh, his social business concept has received international attention.

What is a social business and how can it contribute to poverty reduction? Using
the example of Bangladesh, this book systematically explores Yunus’ theories vis-a-vis relevant development policy. This is the first study of Yunus’ pioneering experiments in his home country, providing first-hand insights for academics, development practitioners, and social entrepreneurs.

In two case studies, we look at the business challenges and livelihood outcomes for the poor of Grameen Danone and Grameen Veolia Water. While the former aims to fight child malnutrition by selling fortified yoghurt, the latter provides rural communities with treated river water in arsenic affectedareas.