Ties between individuals on a social network can represent different dimensions of interactions, and the spreading of information and innovations on these networks could potentially be driven by some dimensions more than by others. In this paper we investigate this issue by studying the diffusion of microfinance within rural India villages and accounting for the whole multilayer structure of th...

We apply the non-parametric, unconditional, hyperbolic order- quantile estimator to appraise the relative efficiency of Microfinance Institutions in Africa in terms of outreach. Our purpose is to verify if these institutions, which must constantly try to strike a compromise between their social role and financial sustainability are operationally efficient. Using data on African MFIs extracted ...

In this paper we provide an analysis of credit risk management and the use of credit scoring among European MFIs. With this aim, we designed and sent a survey to the full set of known MFIs operating in Eastern and Western Europe. 58 MFIs completed the survey. We observe that the European microfinance industry has already dedicated substantial effort to risk management, noting that more than hal...

I n this study we designed to test the remarkable repayment performance of Akhuwat in Pakistan; the most successful Islamic Microfinance Institution (IMFI), which offers interest-free loans in order to improve the quality of life and alleviate poverty. The model of Akhuwat is based on Muakhaat (brotherhood) and Qard-e-Hasan (offering financial assi...

Wide agreement about the goal of microfinance—to improve the welfare of the poor—has not led to wide agreement about how best to achieve that goal. To aid discussion, I propose a framework for outreach—the social benefits of microfinance—in terms of six aspects: worth, cost, depth, breadth, length, and scope. The framework encompasses both the poverty approach to microfinance and the self-susta...

Wide agreement about the goal of microfinance—to improve the welfare of the poor—has not led to wide agreement about how best to achieve that goal. To aid discussion, I propose a framework for outreach—the social benefits of microfinance—in terms of six aspects: worth, cost, depth, breadth, length, and scope. The framework encompasses both the poverty approach to microfinance and the self-susta...

Present paper intends to measure the determinants of performance of Indian financial sector. The performance variables of banking sector and microfinance institutions in India are studied over a study period of six years i.e. 2006-07 to 2011-12. The financial sector of India is gaining strength over the years and its contribution to growth is overwhelming. Banks are considered the main componen...

OBJECTIVE To assess the impact on health-related outcomes, of group microfinance schemes based on collective empowerment. METHODS We searched the databases Social Sciences Citation Index, Embase, MEDLINE, MEDLINE In-Process, PsycINFO, Social Policy & Practice and Conference Proceedings Citation Index for articles published between 1 January 1980 and 29 February 2016. Articles reporting on hea...

The purpose of this research is to investigate and focus on the high cost of microfinance loans which are provided by banks. The high costs are one of the main problems, facing the microfinance programs in its persuit to help the poor and the low income households. This research followed the descriptive approach, to investigate the problem of this research. Questionnaires were used as the main ...

Answering surveys is usually voluntary, yet much of our knowledge depends on the willingness of households and institutions to answer. We explore the implications of voluntary reporting on knowledge about microfinance. We show systematic biases in microfinance institutions’ choices about which survey to respond to and which specific indicators to report. The analysis focuses on data for 2,072 m...