A Fistful of Rice: My Unexpected Quest to End Poverty Through Profitability

In this heartfelt manifesto, Akula argues that a for-profit model of microfinancing is not only ethical, but necessary in order to increase revenue that can create more loans for underprivileged would-be entrepreneurs. Describing his own journey of gaining villagers' trust, Akula uses his experiences of the company he founded in rural India, Swayam Krishi Sangam (SKS), and its rampant growth as a case study. Beginning with a small pool of donations, SKS typically lent $40 to each client for goats, water buffalo, or the purchase of enough supplies to begin a tiny storefront shop. SKS ran a tight ship%E2%80%94holding each community collectively responsible for repayment and often putting women in charge of each family's loan. This thoughtful book presents a rare melding of genuine compassion with a businessman's commitment to efficiency and growth. Even those who disagree with for-profit ideals of lending will find the claims and the logic of Akula's thesis intriguing and his experiences insightful. (Nov.)