"If I Had a Water Buffalo" poignantly explores the critical difference in outcomes when offering a hand up rather than giving a handout. A seemingly simple request for a water buffalo by an impoverished rice farmer proves to be the catalyst for Dr. Fitzgerald’s global and unending journey in search of a better way to meet the needs of people less fortunate. Woven with both triumph and tragedies, encompassing undertakings in Indonesia, Eastern Europe, South America, and Bangladesh; "If I Had a Water Buffalo" artfully lays out why the approach to helping those in need must incorporate the personal empowerment of the beneficiaries over charity often creating harmful dependency.

"If I Had a Water Buffalo" poignantly explores the critical difference in outcomes when offering a hand up rather than giving a handout. A seemingly simple request for a water buffalo by an impoverished rice farmer proves to be the catalyst for Dr. Fitzgerald’s global and unending journey in search of a better way to meet the needs of people less fortunate. Woven with both triumph and tragedies, encompassing undertakings in Indonesia, Eastern Europe, South America, and Bangladesh; "If I Had a Water Buffalo" artfully lays out why the approach to helping those in need must incorporate the personal empowerment of the beneficiaries over charity often creating harmful dependency.

Across the globe--from the remote villages and cities of Indonesia, Eastern Europe, South America, and Bangladesh--"If I Had a Water Buffalo" poignantly details an unending journey of discovery for Dr. Marilyn Fitzgerald. Her global efforts, working as a conduit between donors and recipients, provide an unparalleled opportunity to observe, learn from successes and failures, and ultimately focus on finding a better way. A way for those less fortunate that is not paved with uncertainty and dependency but rather built upon a foundation of voice, dignity, choice, empowerment, and a means to achieve self-sufficiency. Divided into three parts, "If I Had a Water Buffalo" begins with both heartwarming and heart-wrenching stories of Dr. Fitzgerald’s efforts to visit the international projects and then return home to face a never-ending cycle of soliciting the necessary funding or resources to support the projects and needs of individuals less fortunate. In the remaining two parts are the integration of Dr. Fitzgerald’s academic efforts into the discovery process and concludes with lessons learned; lessons shared.