Activity Description: Argentina produces and exports natural gas, which is one of the most efficient forms of combustible fuel. Poor communities have little access to this form of fuel because distribution networks are concentrated in population areas where income is high. The poor population satisfies its energy needs by purchasing liquid gas, firewood, kerosene, or electricity--and then pay higher prices (nearly half their monthly income) than wealthier areas.

Activity Description: AMANCO, a subsidiary of the Latin-American holding company GrupoNueva, develops and sells sustainable forest products, water systems, and light construction materials.

During the economic collapse of Argentina in 2001, AMANCO developed AMANCO Mobile Sales to cut costs; its strategy was to deal directly with small plumbing and home repair storefront shops by loading goods onto trucks and sending them into the poorer neighborhoods of Buenos Aires. This also enabled low-income, rural consumers to buy, invoice, ship, and deliver in a single transaction.