Kate Schecter, CEO of World Neighbors, returns to the show and reveals how empowering local communities leads to long-term self-sufficiency in developing economies. She explains that roads connecting isolated communities to local markets can massively improve opportunities. She also explains that even modest interventions, like access to municipal water, can have profound impacts. From disaster preparedness in Indonesia to sustainable farming in Africa, Kate illustrates how World Neighbors helps communities build resilience.

If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for Gene, please email him at contact@economicsexplored.com.

About this episode’s guest: Dr Kate Schecter

Kate Schecter, Ph.D., joined WN as President and Chief Executive Officer in June, 2014. Dr. Schecter is responsible for managing World Neighbors’ programs and operations in 14 countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. In her previous position, she worked for the American International Health Alliance (AIHA) for 14 years.  As a Senior Program Officer at AIHA, she had responsibility for managing health partnerships throughout Eurasia and Central and Eastern Europe.  Through her work with over 35 partnerships addressing healthcare and treatment, she has extensive experience successfully implementing AIHA’s health partnership model.

From 1997 to 2000, Dr. Schecter worked as a consultant for the World Bank specializing in healthcare reform and child welfare issues in Eurasia and Eastern Europe.  She taught political science at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor for four years (1993-1997).  She has written extensively about healthcare in post-Soviet states, and has made three documentary films for PBS. Over the past eight years at World Neighbors, Dr. Schecter has authored or co-authored 21 articles about the challenges of international development in very poor rural countries, the impact of climate change, and how to help alleviate mass migration through effective international aid.

Dr. Schecter holds a Ph.D. in political science from Columbia University and an M.A. in Soviet Studies from Harvard University. She is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and served on the Board of Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C. from 2010 to 2018.

Timestamps for EP273

• Introduction (0:00)
• World Neighbors’ Geographical Reach and Recent Developments (2:34)
• Improving Climate Resilience in Agriculture (6:03)
• Disaster Preparedness and Community-Based Approaches (9:57)
• Connecting Communities with National and Regional Administrations (14:05)
• Funding and Operational Efficiency (23:21)
• Impact and Future Plans (27:08)
• Conclusion and Final Thoughts (29:24)

Takeaways

1. Infrastructure can be transformative – Building a simple road or bridge can unlock market access for rural farmers, dramatically improving incomes and food security.
2. Local savings and credit groups empower communities – These groups help farmers and entrepreneurs access capital for investments without relying on exploitative lenders.
3. Disaster preparedness saves lives – Teaching communities to plan for floods, earthquakes, and other disasters helps them recover quickly and with fewer casualties.
4. Indigenous crops can boost resilience – Reviving traditional drought-resistant crops helps communities adapt to climate change and maintain food security.

Links relevant to the conversation

Kate’s previous appearance on the show:

https://economicsexplored.com/2022/05/23/economic-development-through-savings-and-credit-groups-w-world-neighbors-ceo-kate-schecter-ep140/

World Neighbor’s website:

https://www.wn.org/

Francis Fukuyama’s book Trust:

https://www.amazon.com/Trust-Social-Virtues-Creation-Prosperity/dp/0029109760

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Full transcripts are available a few days after the episode is first published at www.economicsexplored.com.