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Outreach, Impact, and Sustainability of Informal Banking: A Case Study of the Ouelessebougou-Utah Alliance Microenterprise Program in Mali

Author

Listed:
  • Yodit Solomon
  • Bonnie Ballif-Spanvill
  • Carol Ward
  • Addie Fuhriman

    (Women’s Research Institute, Brigham Young University, 337 SWKT, Provo, UT 84602, USA)

Abstract

This paper presents a case study of a rural credit program sponsored by the Ouelessebougou-Utah Alliance (OUA) in Mali, West Africa. Ethnographic methods are employed to determine the outreach, impact, and sustainability of the program. Findings indicate that program specifications increasingly limit participation to an established and primarily male clientele. Both male and female borrowers reported higher earnings and greater contribution to household expenses; however, access to credit for women is not associated with improved status. The prospect for administrative and financial sustainability of the program is undermined by a weak and ineffective educational component.

Suggested Citation

  • Yodit Solomon & Bonnie Ballif-Spanvill & Carol Ward & Addie Fuhriman, 2002. "Outreach, Impact, and Sustainability of Informal Banking: A Case Study of the Ouelessebougou-Utah Alliance Microenterprise Program in Mali," Journal of Developing Societies, , vol. 18(4), pages 290-314, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:jodeso:v:18:y:2002:i:4:p:290-314
    DOI: 10.1177/0169796X0201800401
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    7. Schuler, Sidney Ruth & Hashemi, Syed Mesbahuddin & Riley, Ann P., 1997. "The influence of women's changing roles and status in Bangladesh's fertility transition: Evidence from a study of credit programs and contraceptive use," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 25(4), pages 563-575, January.
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