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Microfinance and the challenge of financial inclusion for development

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  • Jayati Ghosh

Abstract

This article provides a review of the recent literature on microfinance in developing countries and a critical assessment of its effectiveness. It examines the experience of India, which has one of the largest microfinance sectors in the world, and particularly the unfolding of the microfinance crisis in Andhra Pradesh. It concludes that microfinance cannot be seen as a silver bullet for development and that profit-oriented microfinance institutions are problematic. To fulfil even some of its progressive goals, it must be regulated and subsidised, and other strategies for viable financial inclusion of the poor and of small producers must be more actively pursued. Copyright , Oxford University Press.

Suggested Citation

  • Jayati Ghosh, 2013. "Microfinance and the challenge of financial inclusion for development," Cambridge Journal of Economics, Cambridge Political Economy Society, vol. 37(6), pages 1203-1219.
  • Handle: RePEc:oup:cambje:v:37:y:2013:i:6:p:1203-1219
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/cje/bet042
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    JEL classification:

    • G01 - Financial Economics - - General - - - Financial Crises
    • G21 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Banks; Other Depository Institutions; Micro Finance Institutions; Mortgages
    • G28 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Government Policy and Regulation
    • O10 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - General
    • I30 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General

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