Microfinance Handbook: An Institutional and Financial Perspective (Sustainable Banking with the Poor) [Paperback]

Joanna Ledgerwood (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 1998 | ISBN-10: 0821343068 | ISBN-13: 978-0821343067

Microfinance is not simply banking; it is a development tool. It has been estimated that there are 500 million economically active poor people in the world operating microenterprises and small businesses. Most of them do not have access to adequate financial services. The purpose of this Handbook is to bring together in a single source guiding principles and tools that will promote sustainable microfinance and create viable institutions. The Handbook takes a global perspective, drawing on lessons learned from the experiences of microfinance practitioners, donors, and others throughout the world.This volume covers extensively matters pertaining to the regulatory and policy framework and the essential components of institutional capacity building, such as product design, performance measuring and monitoring, and management of microfinance institutions.The handbook has three parts. 'Issues in Microfinance Provision' - Part I, takes a macroeconomic perspective toward general microfinance issues and is primarily nontechnical. 'Designing and Monitoring Financial Products and Services' - Part II, narrows its focus to the provision of financial intermediation, taking a more technical approach and moving progressively toward more specific (or micro) issues. 'Measuring Performance and Managing Viability' - Part III, is the most technical part of the handbook, focusing primarily on assessing the viability of microfinance institutions.

Product Details

• Paperback: 302 pages
• Publisher: World Bank Publications (December 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0821343068
• ISBN-13: 978-0821343067
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #302,684 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must read primer for microfinance implementors, April 30, 2006

By 

R. Chaffee (Fairacres, NM USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Microfinance Handbook: An Institutional and Financial Perspective (Sustainable Banking with the Poor) (Paperback)

This handbook provides novices, professionals, - and skeptics - with the information they need to move through the microfinance world with confidence gained through an understanding of microfinance principles and practices. Ms. Ledgerwood's book has been an essential reference in analyzing and developing microfinance programs throughout the world, and is required reading for many MFI implementers new to the trade.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is the place to start for Microfinance, December 20, 2006

By 

Lehigh History Student (Bethlehem, PA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Microfinance Handbook: An Institutional and Financial Perspective (Sustainable Banking with the Poor) (Paperback)

For those interested in Microfinance this is a must have for any library. It covers the basics of Microfinance including whose involved and where it is succeeding. It is really more of a reference guide than anything else and is very helpful for those starting out. I found it invaluable for writing papers related to microfinance. If you are going into this field or have an interest in international economics/ international political economy this is a must read.

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars If you want a good introduction to microfinance, this is it., September 1, 2005

By 

S. Kraeger "SAK" (Wilmot, NH) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Microfinance Handbook: An Institutional and Financial Perspective (Sustainable Banking with the Poor) (Paperback)

This is an excellent book to get a good overvivew of microfinance and how it works. It offers excellent forms to set up a successful program. I found it exceptionally helpful.