This publication focuses attention on the local processes that can deliver the MDGs with regard to poverty reduction and sustainable resource use. It is perhaps stating the obvious that the deprivations faced by "the poor" are experienced locally – inadequate food intakes, inadequate asset bases, daily challenges to health in poor quality homes, the inadequacies in provision for water, sanitation and drainage, the difficulties in getting proper health care (including emergency treatment for acute injuries or illnesses) and in getting children into schools (or in affording to keep them there), and the long hours worked, in often dangerous conditions. Many of the poorest rural and urban households live with the constant threat of violence and of eviction from the land they farm or occupy for housing.

Tens of millions of households are particularly vulnerable to extreme weather events. Most of these deprivations will not be addressed by "more external investments"; rather, they need changes in the way external investments are made and in who determines what investments are made and how external resources are used; also changes in to whom those who make these decisions and investments are accountable. Improved "local governance" has a critical role in ensuring local development processes do address the MDGs within each locality.

International Institute for Environment and Development IIED, LondonUK, 2004

Available online as PDF file [176p.] at: http://www.iied.org/docs/mdg/MDG-booklet.pdf