Year of publication 1995

Employment opportunities are usually very limited in rural areas. Self employment in small enterprises can make it possible to generate the income to satisfy needs and improve the standards of living. This book shows how small enterprises can be developed and run by small groups in rural communities using a participative approach. It is intended for use by Group Promoters (GPs), extension workers and other rural development staff to help existing groups to set up and run their enterprises. Formation of the groups themselves is covered in The Group Promoters Resource Book - also available from FAO. The language in the book has been kept simple and examples, illustrations and exercises have been included to help GPs to explain the ideas to their rural community groups. Pictures are included throughout the book and can be used by the GP to help the group understand the various concepts explained. A group run small enterprise can have better chances of success than an individually run business. Since individuals have different skills, working in groups instead of as individuals makes it possible to combine the different abilities and makes work lighter and easier.