Such institutions consider the education of members as a sound investment. Human resource development can contribute significantly to the eradication of poverty. Governments which have invested in human resource development e.g., health, education and the provision of basic amenities, have been able to enhance the living standards of their people. Poverty in the Asia Pacific Region has been caught in a vicious circle of population and economic development. Which of these issues should be addressed first is an ongoing dilemma for planners.
Governments have inadequate resources.
External financial and other assistance is limited and often linked with the priorities of the donor agencies which are often in conflict with Governmental priorities. Non-government agencies dealing with programmes related to the alleviation of poverty also have limitations resources and often tend to target only a small segment of the population and, as a result, their efforts are frustrated over a period of time. NGOs which like co-operatives have a direct link with the community can have a positive effect, provided that their members or the local people have the possibility and ability to take decisions on the issues having an impact on their daily lives. Co-operatives, as institutions of the people, can thus be effectively used by the state to improve the economic conditions of the people. They can be used to undertake programmes which target a large number of people including a combination of women, men, children, young and old as well as of farmers, consumers and industrial workers.