To lift families out of poverty, most microfinance institutions (MFIs) target female borrowers. Yet a new field experiment in Sri Lanka suggests that MFIs are courting the wrong clients: “Poor urban men with high ability stand to benefit a lot from microfinance,” concludes David McKenzie, a senior economist at the World Bank and one of the study’s authors. After receiving large infusions of cash or equipment, women’s businesses on average did not become more profitable,…
To read this article and start a full year of unlimited online access, subscribe now!
Subscribe Now
Already a subscriber?
Login
Need to register for your premium online access,which is included with your paid subscription?
Register Now
Support SSIR’s coverage of cross-sector solutions to global challenges.
Help us further the reach of innovative ideas. Donate today.
Read more stories by Alana Conner.