-
An Interview With Muhammad Yunus: The Godfather of Microcredit Shares His Views – And Concerns – About the Sector
Though he’s a tireless promoter of microcredit’s potential to help the poor, Muhammad Yunus hasn’t been shy in voicing his criticisms of its embrace of commercialism. In a video Q&A with NextBillion Financial Innovation – the first in a series of conversations with microfinance thought leaders – Yunus discusses his concerns about the industry’s direction, and points to ways it could improve.
- Categories
- Impact Assessment
-
The Eternal Struggle of Microfinance: The Microcredit Summit raised questions about the sector’s future – but does anyone have an answer?
As last week’s Microcredit Summit wrapped up in Mexico, the topics of over-indebtedness and high interest rates reared their ugly heads. The final day served up a riveting debate that pitted a representative of a Mexican microfinance network against one of the sector’s most vocal critics. The questions raised were crucial to the future of microfinance - but the answers remain elusive.
- Categories
- Impact Assessment
-
Voices from the Summit: Eight quotes from prominent speakers on Day 2 of this week’s Microcredit Summit
By Day 2 of this week’s Microcredit Summit, we’d interviewed eight leaders and innovators in microfinance – from trenchant critics to the sector’s elder statesman, Muhammad Yunus. We’ve compiled eight quotes – one from each interview – which give a sample of some of the topics under discussion at the conference.
- Categories
- Uncategorized
-
How to Prevent the Next Health Crisis: Without vaccines, we’re vulnerable not just to Ebola, but a variety of other deadly diseases
More than 20 million kids weren’t vaccinated last year. How do we fix that problem? Dr. Utibe Effiong says we can start by engaging with more religious leaders to encourage vaccination. More importantly, we must invest in job creation to bring families out of poverty. When a family is hungry, vaccination is their last priority.
- Categories
- Health Care
-
FEATURED EVENT: The 17th Microcredit Summit, September 3-5 in Mérida, Mexico
For 17 years, the Microcredit Summits have been exploring the use of microfinance as a means to end extreme poverty. This year’s Summit, which has the theme "Generation Next: Innovations in Microfinance," will take place in Mérida, Mexico this September 3rd to 5th. NextBillion Financial Innovation will be a media partner at the event.
- Categories
- Impact Assessment
-
Saving for Change: Why is it so difficult for people of all income levels to save money – and how can financial institutions help?
Saving money is hard - particularly for the poor. And with a lack of formal savings options, many poor people end up hiding cash, investing in assets such as livestock or land, or engaging in informal savings arrangements. Yet for those who can stow away even a little money, the benefits can be enormous. Roxanne Bauer explores why saving is so difficult, and what financial institutions can do about it.
- Categories
- Uncategorized
-
India’s Welcome Reform Of Its Ghastly Food Aid Program
India is making essential changes to the way that it operates its food aid program for the poor.
- Categories
- Agriculture, Health Care
- Region
- South Asia
-
Indian MFIs demand more incentives for working as business correspondents
According to survey by microfinance institution network (MFIN), published in February this year, nine out of 14 MFIs closed their operation as BCs in the recent past.
- Categories
- Uncategorized
- Region
- South Asia
Subscribe to Our Weekly Newsletter, "NextBillion Notes"
Published each Wednesday, our e-newsletter features NextBillion's latest original articles, along with a selection of news, jobs, bizdev opportunities and events from our recent coverage — and regular conference ticket giveaways.
We respect your privacy. Your information is safe and will never be shared.
Don't miss out. Subscribe today.