Credit & Savings for Development

Overview

Poor people in Third World countries often have no access to credit for either short-term needs or long-term investment in their small business enterprises. Even when credit is available, the high rates of interest charged may lead to permanent indebtedness. This book examines various methods of making credit available to poor people as part of a strategy of poverty alleviation. Often, credit can be generated from savings and different forms of credit and savings schemes are examined. The provision of credit is most effective when combined with advice and training as part of a comprehensive development initiative.