Making The World A Better Place One Guitar At A Time

Thanks toRoy for linking to a beautiful new development project. Luthier Jay Duncan has set up a project teaching people in Uganda to build quality acoustic guitars.

I love this idea for a number of reasons. First, it is about empowering people by giving them a bouquet of skills. Second, it is about connecting builders in a developing country with discerning (and well paying) consumers in developed countries. Third, it shortens (and makes more green) the supply chain by connecting builders who are close to some of the high quality raw materials.

Too many ideas about development are gearing towards mass consumption, which almost always disadvantages the developing country, since it puts them in a downward race to supply at lowest cost. Craftsmanship, by contrast can support much higher wage costs in the long run – as long as the quality is there.

I really hope this idea gets off the ground and inspires more craftsmen and charities to team up on similar ventures.