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Journal of Microfinance / ESR Review

Abstract

During the last decade microcredit has exploded in Bangladesh, as well as in a large part of the third world. Empirical studies give strong evidence that microcredit has had positive effects on two vital areas of national development; namely, the alleviation of poverty and the empowerment of women. Despite these positive impacts, some critics question the efficacy of microcredit in reaching the extreme poor. Some argue that while microcredit has contributed positively to the well-being of the poor in general, it has failed to reach the poorest of the poor. This paper explores the reasons why microcredit programs rarely reach the poorest of the poor in rural Bangladesh. The reasons have been divided into five categories: (1) supply, (2) demand, (3) NGDOs' norms and social issues, (4) voluntary and involuntary dropouts, and (5) sustainable financial services. This paper also argues that microcredit alone is not necessarily the best way to help the poorest of the poor.

Biography

Dipankar Datta is the partnership and capacity building adviser of Concern Worldwide.

Section

Articles

Journal Title

Journal of Microfinance

Issue and Volume

6-1

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