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on Microfinance |
| By: | Matu, Jeffrey Ben |
| Abstract: | Although microfinance has played a significant role in providing a wide range of financial products and services, many microfinance institutions (MFIs) in Kenya still face major challenges with efficiently and effectively delivering microfinance services in the country. As the demand for these services continues to grow, the limited sources of available capital have greatly undermined the capabilities of MFIs to efficiently operate their services and expand their various microfinance activities. This has led to a financial gap in the supply of microfinance services, and consequently has reduced the opportunities for the poor to access basic socio-economic benefits that could potentially improve their wellbeing. The widening financial gap in the microfinance sector has been attributed to self-governance issues, capacity building issues, non-compliance with reporting requirements, and a lack of appropriate performance criteria. These and other factors have jeopardized MFIs sustainability and have compromised the delivery of microfinance services in the country. There is a need for a policy that advocates for better access to capital sources and investment opportunities for microfinance sustainability, and also encourages MFIs to increase their accessibility, build capacity, be more transparent, adopt acceptable performance standards, and promote professionalism to enhance service delivery. This paper analyzes three policy alternatives which include: (i) maintaining the status quo; (ii) government regulation of all MFIs; and (iii) voluntarily self-regulating by member MFIs as alternatives for closing the financial gap in the supply of microfinance services. All the three alternatives are evaluated against the following criteria: efficiency, financial and political feasibility, and accessibility to determine the best policy option. |
| Keywords: | microfinance; investment funds; social responsible investing; Africa; Kenya; public policy; economics; finances; financial economics; public economics; Kenya microfinance Act |
| JEL: | G2 E58 E22 O2 F21 G20 |
| Date: | 2008–04–18 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:12084&r=mfd |
| By: | Herani, Gobind M. |
| Abstract: | This study is earlier research works done on Tharparkar and Sindh barrage, and similar studies related to demographic, social and economic conditions and chapter-2 as a literature review of the thesis of Ph.D submitted in 2002. Purpose of the chapter was to give the complete picture of both areas and at national and international level to support the primary data of the thesis for proper occlusions and recommendations for policy maker to get the lesson for Tharparkar to get prosperous and better demographically socially and economically. Only secondary data from reliable sources is given in this chapter with complete quotations. This study shows that earlier research work is done in Thar with the help of Government of Sindh, United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Save the Children Fund (SCF)-U.K , titled as ” Tharparkar rural Development Project (TRDP) Evaluation 1993”. From, the detailed study of the chapter we conclude that, from Pakistan origin material, we expect more in future. Some active NGOs has also worked for the awareness and welfare of Thar. From the literature of foreign origin material, it is concluded that development of any area depends upon the awareness and leadership of local participation of indigenous people and results are comparatively better. From the study of Baroda project, Somalia, Grameen Bank of Bangladesh and other NGOs' who run the micro credit programs, it is evident that such programs are essential for the alleviation of poverty and lead towards the income generation of the local masses. Every work should be done through local NGOs, because NGO’s works are on the basis of honesty and is demand driven. It is recommended that Local organizations are must for the awareness welfare and development and they must demand facilities from government and donor agencies. |
| Keywords: | Earlier Research; Demographic; Social and Economic Conditions; Livestock; Rangeland Plantation; Thardeep; Banh-Beli |
| JEL: | O47 O19 J24 H53 P28 J16 D13 H51 J21 J28 P27 I38 H52 |
| Date: | 2008–12–13 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:12133&r=mfd |