In most countries single mothers struggle to make a living and raise their children. In developing countries like Brazil the problems are made worse by lack of state support and severe poverty. Ana Aranha reports on a Brazilian non-government organisation which not only helps mothers to raise their children but teaches them an income generating skill.

The Arid Lands Information Network (ALIN) has been awarded the $1 million Access to Learning Award by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Information and communication technology (ICT) are helping farmers Access information about market prices and weather through text messaging, or SMS, on their cell phones. And a newer trend, open source technology, provides tolos for organisations to take advantage of and scale up this technology. A report by Mara Schechter.