Despite significant innovations in rural microfinance over the years, millions of people around the world still do not have access to financial services. Can linkages and strategic alliances between formal and informal financial institutions and private firms help resolve this problem? Drawing on 12 case studies and 1 review conducted in 11 countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, the author shows how formal financial institutions and companies use a variety of less formal, often rural, organizations to overcome the information and enforcement problems of serving rural clients. This book is of interest to all involved in rural development, particularly those concerned with financing economic development and innovation.
