Archive for September, 2009

Ms. Vardhani Ratnala, knowledge manager, Leonard Cheshire International --- It is a well-known fact in South Asia that Microfinance is an effective way to reach out to the poorest. Even formal financial institutions like banks are competing with each other to cater to the needs of the poorest, who they have realized, are bankable. However, a look at the clientele of these microfinance service providers (MSPs) shows ... Full story

By Dr. Amrit Patel --- One of the objectives of the rural credit policy has been to minimize the dependence of rural poor on non-institutional sources of credit. The study of Basic Statistical Returns, 2005; Census data, 2001 and the Debt and Investment Survey during 1992 and 2003, however, exhibited a dismal performance of rural credit institutions, their policy and implementation. Average population per branch served by scheduled ... Full story

By Vikash Kumar --- Global warming is no longer just warning but is happening and therefore poses many immediate and long term environmental threats It is our responsibility, a collective as well as an individual  to protect our environment from its onslaughts.. Full story

By Jerome Peloquin | Managing Editor -US | Microfinance Focus --- The real question is; Can Microfinance afford NOT to be green?  Good environmental practice is good business in general.  Green business provides opportunity for all. Full story

By, Vikash Kumar Time has come to ponder over some quintessential questions! Microfinance has traversed long and stormy path; and indeed in all fairness no one should doubt in its ability and performance as an effective institution for poverty alleviation. Indeed it is strange that sometime we glorify its success stories and at times we forget such achievements and highlight its inbuilt weaknesses. In fact we overlook the challenges these institutions have encountered in the past and would be facing even in future also. Full story

Jerome Peloquin | Managing Editor-US The Missing Middle describes to the lack of funding for small to medium sized enterprise, (SME) who have progressed to the limits of MFI lending.   (around 1,500 USD).  It is the absence of funding options for small growing businesses at the bottom of the financial services pyramid.  Traditional venture capital firms are interested in much larger investment of ten to twenty million dollars and have largely ignored this potential market. Full story