Evaluation of the MIF Projects: Microfinance

Date
Nov 2002
This document (MIF/GN-78-3) is the outcome of an evaluation of the MIF microfinance projects, forming part of the general evaluation of the MIF activities undertaken by the Office of Evaluation and Oversight (OVE). In preparing this document, 24 projects have been studied in-depth and 26 evaluation fact sheets completed, out of a total 65 microfinance projects in an aggregate amount of US$86.2 million approved between 1993 and 2001. The projects include technical cooperation, loan financing, and venture capital investment either directly or through funds specially created for this purpose. The first chapter describes the general macroeconomic setting in which the region's microfinance promotion projects have unfolded. The second chapter sketches the underlying strategy in both the Bank and the MIF that led to creation of the microfinance project cluster, and the role played by the MIF in this. The third chapter discusses the results of the analysis and evaluation of the project cluster. The final chapter brings together the main conclusions of the evaluation, in terms of the evolution of the MIF microfinance interventions from 1993 to 2001.