On the viability of microenterprise credit programs : four case studies

It provides a conceptual framework which emphasizes the importance of financial management and quality of services for the success of the program and institutional survival, and evaluates four programs, in Paraguay, Colombia, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic, from the perspective of this framework. Lessons learned pertain to: the need for adequate information systems that focus on institutional viability rather than beneficiary impacts; the need for the organization to be concerned about self-sufficiency and growth; the strengths of a minimalist approach; the importance of positive real interest rates; and the strong need for portfolio diversification. (Author abstract)