In a Formal Economy,...a person gets a job at a software company. He has a letter of appointment with a contract explaining his job responsibilities. He gets a fixed salary in addition to incentives based upon his qualifications and experience. He works in an organized environment where his … [Read more...] about 1. Micro-Insurance: The Difference between Formal and Informal Economy
Microfinance, Cooperatives and Microinsurance as Sustainable Solutions
Microfinance is being increasingly recognized as a sustainable solution for developmental interventions. In fact, the success of some innovative experiments to alleviate poverty in countries has proved that small credit given to the poor can effectively increase their income-level through … [Read more...] about Microfinance, Cooperatives and Microinsurance as Sustainable Solutions
Gender in Microfinance and Cooperatives
Gender should an integrated component of all the activities of the strategy. Gender equality should be ensured in all the stages of cooperative formation and strengthening. In order to bring women forward on par with men, special attention should be given to women. Women should be given priority in … [Read more...] about Gender in Microfinance and Cooperatives
Sustainability of Cooperatives
The strategy can adopt the following ways to promote the cooperatives and ensure their sustainability. Building effective management information systems (MIS) Reaching large number of clients with vision for growth; Promoting savings services and diversify savings products; Offering … [Read more...] about Sustainability of Cooperatives
Cooperatives as a Means to Promote Sustainable Livelihoods
Cooperatives play a crucial role in promoting values of self-reliance, good governance, equity and transparency. The concept of cooperatives is based upon the ethical values of openness, honesty and social responsibility. They are organized by a group of persons voluntarily coming together to … [Read more...] about Cooperatives as a Means to Promote Sustainable Livelihoods
Savings and Credit Cooperatives
The strategy can involve development of microfinance through promotional activities at two-levels: SHG and cooperative level. Self-Help Groups cab be promoted at the village/ hamlet level consisting of, say, 20 members. The SHGs meet at regular intervals and collect savings from the members and … [Read more...] about Savings and Credit Cooperatives
Entry-Point Activities
Entry-Point Activities are necessary part to orient the community members towards thrift and credit activities. Direct dialogue about the intervention can create a negative attitude among them and hence, some innovative method should be applied to bring about a positive air in the project area. … [Read more...] about Entry-Point Activities
Self-Help Groups (SHGs)
The project will compile an inventory of the existing SHGs (self-help groups) in the project area in the beginning. This information will help the project to assess the existing SHGs and their capacities. The existing SHGs can be assessed applying the following criteria: Criteria: Age of the … [Read more...] about Self-Help Groups (SHGs)
Goal of the Microfinance and Cooperative Strategy
The goal of a microfinance and cooperative strategy can be to enhance easily accessible, cost effective and sustainable financial services to the people living in the project area that would enable increased investment in income generating activities resulting in an increase of their income levels. … [Read more...] about Goal of the Microfinance and Cooperative Strategy
Up to $10,000 Research Grants-MIF Call for Proposals
The ILO's Microinsurance Innovation Facility, set up to promote and carry out research in microinsurance in developing countries, has now announced a Call for Proposals from researchers and academics on conducting research in microinsurance in developing countries. Interested persons can consult to … [Read more...] about Up to $10,000 Research Grants-MIF Call for Proposals
