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Microfinance and forest-based small-scale enterprises

Year of publication 2005

Pages 90 + xvi

Author Forestry Economics and Policy Division

Product type Book (stand-alone)

ISBN 9251054126

Series title FAO Forestry Paper

Series number 0258-6150

Edition 1

Synopsis (short abstract) Communities around the world rely on forests for their livelihoods, not only for domestic uses but also for income, frequently obtained through small-scale, often family-run enterprises. The sustainable development of such enterprises is increasingly recognized as a key to poverty reduction but is often hindered by lack of financial inputs or poor access to microfinance services. This publication reviews the specific microfinance needs of small-scale enterprises given the often seasonal and unpr edictable nature of forest-based activities. It analyses the constraints they face when trying to obtain microfinance services – including a lack of familiarity with formal financial institutions and insufficient capital or collateral for access to traditional banking services – and identifies ways to overcome these challenges. The publication examines the role that different types of microfinance institutions, such as banks, non-governmental organizations, cooperatives and credit unions, can pl ay for small-scale enterprises and forest communities. It discusses, in addition to microcredit, a comprehensive range of services including savings, group lending, leasing, insurance and cash transfers. The strengths and weaknesses of different approaches are illustrated through four case studies in Nepal, Guatemala, the Sudan and Peru. This book will be a useful reference for those involved in designing policies and projects for the development of forest communities, as well as for those provi ding financial services to small enterprises in rural areas.

Language English

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