Specialist field staff always begin by discussing options with people that they have identified to be in need. Many times, these are men who have the willingness to work hard, but simply haven't got the finance to invest in any small business of their own together with a wife, children or parents to support.

Both men and women receive help in starting up businesses, often with skills that they haven't had the opportunity to put into practice. Field staff analyse the local economy to choose a suitable business. Through interest-free microfinance, individuals receive a small loan that they can pay back as soon as their business is profitable, allowing them to invest in their skills.

Ongoing livelihood projects are incredibly diverse because they are always devised in consideration of local resources and peoples skills. MH has provided sewing machines in countries including India, Afghanistan and Indonesia, where women have set up tailoring businesses. In Morocco where mint is used a great deal in cuisine, MH has set up mint farms for those who couldn't afford seeds, tools or land.

Some more unusual schemes that have been extremely successful include smoked fish businesses in The Gambia. Run almost exclusively by women, they smoke fresh fish in smoking rooms bought by small loans from Muslim Hands. The fish are then sold onto local markets for profit. The strong presence of MH field staff in our areas of operation has led to a reflective approach to income generation schemes, learning from individuals and the rural economies.

Through this model, individuals in countries including Bangladesh, Nepal, Indonesia, The Gambia and Lebanon have been able to use their abilities and enthusiasm to earn their own living. MH field officers provide not only money, but expertise, encouragement and advice.