Since the 1990s alleviating poverty has been the top priority in international development. Within this framework various initiatives have already been taken. One particular strategy in tackling poverty has generated tremendous enthusiasm among aid donors and NGO’s: the provision of small loans through micro-credit programmes. Bangladesh, one of the poorest countries in the world, is the cradle of this ‘micro-credit movement’. Grameen Bank enjoys international fame and its model has been replicated in countries all over the world. Likewise the Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee (now called: BRAC) is showing success as one of the largest NGO’s in the world.
Both have generated an international wave of interest and been the main source of inspiration for the Micro-credit Movement which was launched in 1997 as a ‘global movement to reach 100 million of the world’s poorest families, especially the women of those families, with credit for self-employment and other financial and business services, by the year 2005’ (MCS, 1997).
CONTENTS
Introduction
Chapter 1 / Genesis, Organisation and practice: an Overview
Chapter 2 / Economic Impact of Grameen Bank and BRAC
1. Economic Impact Assessment: A Controversial Issue
1.1 Impact on Poverty: A Positive Evaluation of Micro-credit Schemes
1.2 Impact on poverty: a controversy
1.3 Reducing Vulnerability
2. Problems in Reaching the Poorest: Valid criticism?
2.1 Do Grameen Bank and BRAC reach the Bottom Poor?
2.2 Barriers in Reaching the Poorest and Possible Solutions
Chapter 3 / Social Impact of Grameen Bank and BRAC
1. Micro-credits: Emancipating Women?
1.1 Micro-credits Targeting Women in Bangladesh: An Explanation
1.2 Impact of Credit on Emancipation of Women: a Positive Evaluation
1.3 Impact of Credit on Emancipation of Women: a Negative Evaluation
1.4 Positive or Negative Impact of Credit on Emancipation of
Women: a Critical Comparison
2. Influence of Micro-credits on Society
2.1 Effects on non-member villagers
2.2 In Confrontation with Existing Systems?
2.3 Co-operation and Co-existence
Chapter 4 / Conclusion
Bibliography
Download
Evidence on the social and economic impact of Grameen Bank and BRAC
