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Abstract
How many microfinance institutions (MFIs) exist in the developing world? What
are their current performances? In 1999, an International Food Policy Research Institute
(IFPRI) team on microfinance conducted a survey on MFIs in Asia, Africa, and Latin
America in order to offer a new in-depth analysis on the distribution and performances of
MFIs at the international level.
A systematic sampling has been adopted through the contacting of international
NGOs and networks supporting various MFIs. The information has been complemented
by a review of publications and technical manuals on microfinance. The database of
MFIs from 85 developing countries shows 1,500 institutions (790 institutions worldwide
plus 688 in Indonesia) supported by international organizations. They reach 54 million
members, 44 million savers (voluntary and compulsory savings), and 23 million
borrowers. The total volume of outstanding credit is $18 billion. The total savings
volume is $12 billion, or 72 percent of the volume of the outstanding loans. MFIs have
developed at least 46,000 branches and employ around 175,000 staff.
The IFPRI database underlines the presence of a multitude of MFIs that, except in
unstable countries, are widespread, with no forgotten regions. MFIs are very diverse in
terms of lending technologies and legal status, which allows room for innovation, but
they remain highly concentrated. The data are analyzed by type of MFIs and by
geographic regions. The results presented give an overview of the current development of
MFIs and offer a benchmark for comparisons.