It is important to acknowledge earlier shortcomings in any branch of academic enquiry with hindsight, even though for many, self-criticism of one's own earlier work is often difficult. In this context it is refreshing to read Nejatullah Siddiqi, a leading pioneer of Islamic economic thought over...

Whose Reality Counts? Putting the First Last. By Robert Chambers. London: Intermediate Technology Publications, 1996. Pp.xx + 297. £3.25. ISBN 1 85339 386 X Fighting for the Rainforest: War, Youth and Resources in Sierra Leone. By Paul Richards. Oxford: The International African Institute in...

Cost-Benefit Analysis and Project Appraisal in Developing Countries. Edited by Colin Kirkpatrick and John Weiss. Cheltenham and Brookfteld, VT: Edward Elgar, 1996. Pp.xiii + 321. £49.95. ISBN 1 85898 346 0 Chile: The Great Transformation. By Javier Martinez and Alvaro Diaz Washington, DC:...

Who Changes? Institutionalizing Participation in Development. Edited by James Blackburn with Jeremy Holland. London: Intermediate Technology Publications, 1998. Pp.xvi + 199. £5.25. ISBN 1853394203 Whose Voice? Participatory Research and Policy Change. Edited by Jeremy Holland with James...

As governments find it increasingly difficult to finance major projects, private sector companies are becoming involved in electricity generation, telecommunications expansion and infrastructure provision including toll roads, ports and airports. From an Islamic perspective there is no objection...

Microfinance schemes have been operational since the 1960s, however, they mostly involve conventional finance, whereas many low income Muslims would prefer to have shar¥cah compliant finance. The aim of this paper is to explore how microfinance can be provided on a shar¥cah compliant basis and...