Ripples from the Zambezi

After six years of economic development work in Zambia, Kenya, the Ivory Coast, Algeria, and Somalia, Ernesto Sirolli witnessed how little most foreign aid programs were actually doing for the people they hoped to help -- from creating a communal tomato field on the banks of the Zambezi river (only to be demolished by the river's hippos at harvest time) to donating snowplows to African nations and passing out thousands of solar ovens to African tribes who only cook at night However well intentioned, Sirolli points out, inappropriate development often creates more problems than it solves. Thus was the genesis of this exciting alternative to traditional economic development which has been successfully implemented in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and in fourteen urban and rural communities in the US.

Based on the fundamental principles that 1) big, modern, and expensive is not necessarily the best solution; and 2) if people don't ask for help, leave them alone, Sirolli developed an innovative program to revitalize urban and rural economies, one person at a time. Through "Enterprise Facilitation, " depressed communities can build lasting hope and prosperity by first helping individuals to recognize their talents and their business passion, and then providing the skills and technology necessary to transform their dreams into meaningful and rewarding work.

Ripples from the Zambezi is full of anecdotal material, examples, and information to inspire people-centered economics, mobilize civic leadership, find resources, and tap into individuals' dreams for an energetic, diverse, and economically and culturally rich community.