Microfinance And Poverty Reduction: Some International Evidence

Abstract

Year 2005 was called international year of microcredit by United Nations. Since, micro finance has proven to be an effective tool for poverty reduction this paper argues that microfinance can be considered an important element for an effective poverty reduction strategy. It shows that access and efficient provision of microcredit can enable the poor to smooth their consumption, better manage their risks better, gradually build their assets, develop their micro enterprises, enhance their income earning capacity, and enjoy an improved quality of life. Microfinance services can also contribute to the improvement of resource allocation, promotion of markets, and adoption of better technology; thus, microfinance helps to promote economic growth and development. Also the characteristics of financial systems in developing counties will be discussed and argued that formal financial sector is not consistent with the needs and requirements of the poor and the existence of informal financial sector is a response to the shortcomings of the formal financial sector.