Describe and discuss the concept of Microcredit as it is applied in developing countries.

Micro Credits

Research and analyze Micro-Credit as a source of capital for economic and social development in under developed countries.

Microcredit was once extolled by world leaders as a powerful tool that could help eliminate poverty, through loans as small as $50 to cowherds, basket weavers and other poor people for starting or expanding businesses. But as with other development initiatives that have promised to lift hundreds of millions from poverty, microcredit has struggled to turn rhetoric into tangible success.

1. Who are the participants active in the microcredit industry worldwide? In other words, name the categories of the various players who are involved in, benefit from (or are victims of) or influence Microfinance as a viable source of capital.

2. Describe and discuss the concept of Microcredit as it is applied in developing countries. How does it work? What are the social benefits intended through Micro-loans? What is the intended result for the lender? What is the intended result for the borrower?

3. What factors are causing distress in the microcredit industry? Why are these factors present?

4. In your opinion, does the microcredit industry provide a strong benefit to eliminating poverty in developing countries? How would you improve the process? What would you do to correct the factors that are said to be leading to a collapse of the industry?