One Village One Product
Japan's entrepreneurial scheme goes abroad
By Willhemina Wahlin and Dr Kaoru Natsuda

The One Village One Product (OVOP) scheme is a way of rethinking the possibilities for small, rural populations, introducing ways to re-brand what they do best. Founded in the Kyushu prefecture of Oita over 20 years ago, it’s now being exported to some of the world’s Least Developed Countries (LDCs). Still riddled with challenges, its greatest potential is the entrepreneurial independence it encourages in many of the world’s poorest communities.

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This story was original published in the January 2008 issue of J@pan Inc Magazine. For subscriptions to the magazine, go to: http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_subscriptions

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Images courtesy of JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency)

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