ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the Van Chang craft village in Vietnam. It describes the environmental and human health impacts of base of the pyramid (BoP) production, the interventions introduced to address the problem and the outcomes. Drawing on the cleaner production and industrial cluster literature as well as insights from the BoP-as-producer perspective, the chapter outlines a research agenda that could guide a programme of change for promoting the long-term viability and environmental sustainability of these industries. Poverty reduction and environmental sustainability are among the two most pressing global problems challenging development researchers, practitioners and thought leaders. The BoP proposition is that business and industry, including multinational corporations, can effectively reduce poverty while enhancing their profitability. Craft villages offer an important alternative for job creation and poverty reduction in rural areas contributing at least 50% of a village's total income. Some policy advisors have called for cutting off power and water to force the relocation of the BoP producers.
