Why Doesn't Microfinance Work?
Why Doesn't Microfinance Work?

Author: Milford Bateman

Publisher: Zed Books Ltd.

Published: 2010-06-10

Total Pages: 384

ISBN-13: 1848138954

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Since its emergence in the 1970s, microfinance has risen to become one of the most high-profile policies to address poverty in developing and transition countries. It is beloved of rock stars, movie stars, royalty, high-profile politicians and ‘troubleshooting’ economists. In this provocative and controversial analysis, Milford Bateman reveals that microfinance doesn’t actually work. In fact, the case for it has been largely built on hype, on egregious half-truths and – latterly – on the Wall Street-style greed of those promoting and working in microfinance. Using a multitude of case studies, from India to Cambodia, Bolivia to Uganda, Serbia to Mexico, Bateman demonstrates that microfi nance actually constitutes a major barrier to sustainable economic and social development, and thus also to sustainable poverty reduction. As developing and transition countries attempt to repair the devastation wrought by the global financial crisis, Why Doesn’t Microfinance Work? argues forcefully that the role of microfinance in development policy urgently needs to be reconsidered.

Financing Affordable Housing in Yangon
Financing Affordable Housing in Yangon

Author: Asian Development Bank

Publisher: Asian Development Bank

Published: 2019-05-01

Total Pages: 114

ISBN-13: 9292616218

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Myanmar's housing sector is struggling to cope with rapid urbanization, internal migration, and new demand from recent economic growth. These challenges are most apparent in the Yangon Region, where estimates suggest there will be a housing shortage of 1.3 million units by 2030. This publication assesses the current housing market situation in Yangon. It identifies reform options and offers practical recommendations to support the Yangon Region Government's implementation of its affordable housing agenda and related policies.

Making Finance Work for Africa
Making Finance Work for Africa

Author: Patrick Honohan

Publisher: World Bank Publications

Published: 2007

Total Pages: 264

ISBN-13: 0821369105

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Drawing on its extensive experience in helping restructure and reform financial systems, the World Bank examines the state of African domestic financial systems in a global comparison. It identifies promising trends as well as pinpointing the major shortcomings that are observed across sub-Saharan Africa. Policy recommendations distinguish between those designed to make finance a more effective driver of economic growth and those designed to give low income, small-scale and other excluded groups better access to financial services.

Access to Financial Services in Brazil
Access to Financial Services in Brazil

Author: Anjali Kumar

Publisher: World Bank Publications

Published: 2005

Total Pages: 698

ISBN-13: 9780821357163

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There is an increasing awareness that access to financial services can contribute to economic growth and poverty reduction. This study focuses on the delivery of financial services in Brazil, one of the world's most important emerging financial markets. It examines different aspects of financial service provision, and explores approaches to address problems of financial exclusion. Topics discussed include: microfinance schemes; private banking; rural finance systems; institutional infrastructure; and the role of government policy.