Abstract

Despite the extensive spread of microfinance, studies on the actual impact of MFIs are often more ambivalent about its impact than is the aid community. Much has been written on the range of institutional arrangements pursued in different organizations and countries and in turn a vast number studies have attempted to assess the outreach and poverty impact of such schemes. However, amongst the academic development community there is a recognition that perhaps we know much less about the impact of these programs than might be expected given the enthusiasm for these activities in donor and policy-making circles.

In recognition of this uncertainty this paper aims to bring together some of the recent evidence that has been accumulating on the impact of microfinance activities on poverty reduction. In particular we ask what is the evidence on three specific issues:

• the extent to which microfinance initiatives have made a lasting difference in pulling households out of poverty on a permanent basis;
• the extent to which microfinance programs reach only the better-off amongst the poor, leaving the ‘core poor’ unaffected;
• how far microfinance is a cost-effective means of transferring income to the poor.

The evidence surveyed here suggests that the conclusion from the early literature, that while microfinance clearly may have had positive impacts on poverty it is unlikely to be a simple panacea for reaching the core poor, remains valid. Reaching the core poor is difficult and some of the reasons that made them difficult to reach with conventional financial instruments mean that they may also be high risk and therefore unattractive microfinance clients. Hence there is a need to continually improve design and outreach and to see MFIs as part of the package for targeting the poor, rather than the whole solution.

The views expressed in this paper are the views of the author/s and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Asian Development Bank Institute nor the Asian Development Bank. Names of countries or economies mentioned are chosen by the author/s, in the exercise of his/her/their academic freedom, and the Institute is in no way responsible for such usage.

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Comment(s)

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1. altafsamo
   (posted 27 March 2008 / 01:42:42 PM)
   
   I think micro finance if implemented in true spirit can do wonders but in countries like Pakistan the impact has not been so impressive although several studies has shown its positive impact. On the ground realities are very different and these need to be addressed by these multilateral donor agencies.
   Most of the loans are not properly utilized.
   Special emphasis is needed to be given on the capacity building of the prospective borrower. Let the borrower train to catch fish themselves by building capacity to utilize the borrowed amount for investment that will benefit them in long run. This will help decrease poverty.
2. muneeb seyal
   (posted 09 November 2007 / 08:42:14 PM)
   
   Well, I guess microfinance is doing a great work.
   Normally banks are not interested in providing funds to poor people.
   It's proved in history that poor are more honest than the rich.
3. Eric
   (posted 26 September 2007 / 10:35:57 PM)
   
   Whereas Micro finance holds the key to poverty education, it is not just the provision of the financial services that matters, information on where to invest and manage the business is equally needed.
4. Syed Shah
   (posted 22 April 2007 / 12:50:06 AM)
   
   Well I think micro finance can play a power full role in poverty alleviation, nature conservation and biodiversity conservation because it has the potential to diversify the source of income for the poor people and hence can result in reducing the pressure on exploitation of natural resources.