In February 2005, Koraro in northern Ethiopia (left) was launched as the next Millennium Village. Conditions here are strikingly different - it is a highland village with semi-arid conditions.

Again, villagers are keen to begin work, and strong community structures are in place. But at 54km (34 miles) from the main road, it is isolated, underdeveloped and poor.

More villages are planned in the seven agricultural "zones" identified in Africa, and the project organisers hope their approach will be emulated elsewhere.

Images: Erin Trowbridge of the UN Millennium Project, Kaya Deckelbaum, the Earth Institute.