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Report of the National Workshop on Best Practices in Microfinance Programmes for Women in Coastal Fishing Communities in India. Panaji, Goa, India, 1-4July 2003.

Year of publication 2003

Place of publication Rome, Italy ;

Pages 61

Author Villareal, L.V.; Upare, M.A.

Product type Book (series)

ISBN 9251050252

Series title FAO Fisheries Report

Series number 0429-9337 - R724

Edition 1

Synopsis (short abstract) In most societies, as in India, small-scale fishing and fish farming households are considered to be one of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable groups. Microfinance programmes are seen as a means for these households to gain access to much-needed credit services that are appropriate for their needs. Moreover, because women comprise a significant proportion of such households, microfinance should also serve as an effective tool to assist and empower women in fishing communities. It is in this context that the national workshop was organized. The main workshop objective was to analyse and document recent experiences with microfinance programmes in support of women and poverty alleviation in coastal fishing communities in India and to draw conclusions with regard to best practices in this field. The workshop also aimed to provide guidance to financial institutions, governmental and non-governmental institutions involved in fisheries development, fishermen's and women's associations, d onors and other stakeholders for the future development of microfinance programmes and other necessary support services. The workshop was organized by FAO, in cooperation with the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) as the host organization. It was a follow-up to the recommendations of the recently concluded Regional Workshop on Microfinance Programmes in Support of Responsible Aquaculture and Marine Capture Fisheries in Asia, held in Chiang Mai, Thailand, in December 2002. The workshop, while highlighting best practices in financial support for women in fishing communities, had a broader and multidimensional perspective. As such, the presentations, discussions and recommendations were not only limited to financial support but also covered the following important thematic areas: government policies and initiatives, research, technology development, appropriate support services and other financial support and interventions for the sector.

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Villareal, L.V.; Upare, M.A.Report of the National Workshop on Best Practices in Microfinance Programmes for Women in Coastal Fishing Communities in India. Panaji, Goa, India, 1-4 July 2003.FAO Fisheries Report. No. 724. Rome, FAO. 2003. 50p.

Language English

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