Aspects of outreach: a framework for discussion of the social benefits of microfinance

Mark Schreiner

Journal of International Development, 2002, vol. 14, issue 5, 591-603

Abstract: 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-sustainability approach. The poverty approach assumes that great depth of outreach can compensate for narrow breadth, short length, and limited scope. The self-sustainability approach assumes that wide breadth, long length, and ample scope can compensate for shallow depth. I show how to use the framework for BancoSol of Bolivia. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Date: 2002
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Working Paper: Aspects of Outreach: A Framework for the Discussion of the Social Benefits of Microfinance (2001)
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:wly:jintdv:v:14:y:2002:i:5:p:591-603

DOI: 10.1002/jid.908

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