Experiences and Good Practices in Microcredit Programs for the Poor

This presentation was commissioned by the Poverty Reduction and Social Protection Network of the Regional Policy Dialogue for the IV Hemispheric Meeting celebrated on November 11th and 12th, 2002. ODEF initiated operating in 1985 and the credit program in 1989. Became self-sufficient in 1996. It has 9,200 active customers, an active portfolio of US$5.2 million and 60% of its customers are poor. ODEF credit practices have not always been good practices. Experience and exchanges have enabled ODEF to design good practices and strategies.