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Microfinance and forest-based small-scale enterprises
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 2005 |
| Authors | Food and Agriculture Organizations, |
| Journal Title | FAO Forestry Paper |
| Pagination | xvi + 90 |
| ISBN Number | 0258-6150 |
| Key Words | capital leasing; credit; finance; financial institutions; forest; products; insurance; non-wood forest products; rural communities; savings; small businesses |
| Abstract | This publication reviews major issues and constraints facing small-scale enterprises in developing countries trying to access microfinance services, and identifies ways to overcome these challenges. It analyses the different types of microfinance institutions, the role that they can play in the forest sector given the characteristics of small-scale enterprises and forest communities, and their impact on local livelihoods and environment. The analysis encompasses different microfinance institutions and approaches that can be accessed by small-scale enterprises, for the provision not only of microcredit, but of a comprehensive range of services including savings, leasing, insurance and cash transfers. It looks at comparative advantages and weaknesses of different approaches and instruments. It includes: (1) a review of small-scale enterprises and their demand for microfinance services; (2) a review of microfinance characteristics, services and institutions; (3) four case studies (in Nepal, Guatemala, Sudan and Peru); and (4) conclusions. |
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