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VoxDev Development Economics

S6 Ep4: What have we learned about microfinance?

Jan 30, 2025
Join experts Jing Cai from the University of Maryland, Muhammad Meki from the University of Oxford, and Simon Quinn from Imperial College as they dive into the multifaceted world of microfinance. They discuss its historical roots and evolving practices, highlighting successes and challenges in evaluation. The conversation reveals intriguing insights into asset-based microfinance and its transformative potential for underserved communities. They also address the balance between profit and purpose, emphasizing the need for innovative, tailored financial solutions.
31:11

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Quick takeaways

  • Microfinance serves diverse economic needs by providing tailored financial services, especially for marginalized groups like women and rural communities.
  • The evaluation of microfinance programs faces challenges due to selection biases and the need for innovative methodologies to assess their true impact.

Deep dives

Diverse Applications of Microfinance

Microfinance encompasses a range of financial services tailored for individuals and small businesses with limited access to traditional banking systems. Specifically, it includes microcredit, which is aimed at helping marginalized populations, primarily women and rural communities, through small loans without requiring collateral. The broad definition highlights that individuals utilize credit for various purposes, illustrating a one-size-fits-all model is ineffective. For instance, microfinance can aid in purchasing agricultural materials or in establishing small businesses, demonstrating its versatility in meeting diverse economic needs.

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