Message-ID: <2.2.16.19980419142258.1b27a448@popmail.mcs.net> Date: Sun, 19 Apr 1998 14:58:09 -0500 From: Lewis Guerin <mailto:lguerin@MCS.COM> Subject: Looking for expertise To: mailto:DEVEL-L@AMERICAN.EDU
Hello.In the course of business research, I was asked if I am interested in helping to introduce small-scale tractors in a rural community in a developing country. From another country, I was asked if I could help develop a manufacturing operation for low-tech transportation vehicles. Other possibilities showed various degrees of potential. No feasibility work has been done.
I would like to work with a small group of socially responsible professionals to help some of the people who responded to me. The parties I was working with can't pursue these possibilities. I am looking for input from specialists in tropical agriculture, trade, training, and other fields to see whether these possibilities are feasible on either a commercial or subsidized basis.
Many situations I encountered could use subsidized aid, although the focus of my work was private commercial development. The proposal I was researching was to be funded by small-scale investment (not micro) in agriculture and related activities. It involved a long term relationship (5-10 years) with local principles, which would be terminated after a gradual transfer of responsibility. I believe that the people who responded are of high integrity, and they have additional advisors to help with some arrangements. However, neither these contacts nor their other supporters have all the human, financial, and other resources needed to implement the activities we discussed.
My own purposes include improving local income, savings, health, education, housing, etc. If these are also your goals, and if you are interested in working on the border between subsidized aid and fair commercial development, I would very much like to talk with you. Please use the address below, since I don't spend much time on this mail list.
Yours, Lew Guerin mailto:lguerin@mcs.com