In the West African nation of Niger, the World Bank has determined that just over $71 is the minimum annual income needed to meet basic needs in rural areas. But a startling two-thirds of the population is unable to earn that minimum.

In 1997, EnterpriseWorks Worldwide, in partnership with the World Bank, began a small-scale irrigation program. The goal was to increase the prosperity of farmers by developing local manufacturing capacity and markets for treadle pumps and well digging equipment.

By 2002, the project had benefited 1,684 farmers, creating an average of $209 per person in additional annual income-or three times the rural poverty line. Also, the pump manufacturers and well diggers generated more than $40,000 in total sales in 2002 alone. These Nigeriens are moving beyond just making ends meet. Now they're able to expand their businesses and reinvest in their families and communities.