This book, now available in English for the first time, has become a classic since it was first published in 1982. Translated into five languages, it has had an extraordinary influence on grassroots development projects.

The author relates two of his own experiences in 'barefoot economics', interspersing these moving and insightful accounts with reflections on development projects and experts, pioneering criticism of of orthodox development economics, and a new vision of development in which the poor must learn to circumvent the national economic system.