The book was based on the Master of Science thesis submitted to the Asian Institute of Technology (Bangkok) in December 1985. It was subsequently published in 1988 under the series, 'Studies in Human Settlements Development in Asia'.

The book focuses on the problems and prospects of rural entrepreneureship in Bangladesh, and traditional role of small scale and cottange industries in rural development, generation of employment and income. It is a country study with an indepth analysis of a district within Bangladesh.