Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

This book provides a thorough understanding of all concepts necessary in understanding Microfinance - everything from various interest rates to types of software. There are many great examples of organizations around the world and the way they operate. This provides great context to the learning.
My one complaint is that it does not include open-source MIS in its review or discuss the ethical issues with some of the topics discussed.

Microfinance Handbook is invaluable for those who wish to avoid polemics. Recent popular literature has tended to paint microfinance as either a cure-all for development woes, or a post-colonial demon. The authors avoid either extreme, instead, concentrating on actual experience. For a balanced and in-depth view this book is invaluable. Instead of a once-over lightly, the book provides detailed information on a wide range of perspectives. One caveat: Economic or business knowledge is needed to understand the book. This is not intended to scare readers away, but if you lack a solid econ background it could be boring and confusing. While I found the book challenging, I learned a tremendous amount about the risks and benefits of microfinance.