Microfinance : A Critical Literature Survey

Beck, Thorsten

Washington, DC:Independent Evaluation Group

关键词: FINANCIAL DEVELOPMENT;    MICROCREDIT;    MICROFINANCE;    MICROFINANCE LITERATURE;    MICROFINANCE METHODOLOGY;   

RP-ID  :  102284

学科分类：社会科学、人文和艺术（综合）

来源: World Bank Open Knowledge Repository

【 摘 要 】

This paper offers a critical survey ofthe microfinance literature of the past 10 years. It reviewsstudies on the effectiveness of different microfinancetechniques and offers a critical assessment of the impactliterature of microfinance. The literature so far suggestsmoderate but not transformative effects of microcredit, witheffects being conditional on individuals’ characteristics.The effects of micro-savings interventions seem morepromising, while micro-insurance interventions suffer mostlyfrom limited take-up. The biggest impact seems to come fromexpanding payment services. The paper discusses thesefindings in the broader context of the financial developmentliterature and touches on methodological issues andregulatory challenges.