Marie Michael Library

Social intermediation and microfinance programs: a literature review

Edgcomb, Elaine; Barton, Laura

The purpose of this literature review is to lay out what is currently known about the characteristics of and approaches to social intermediation as it is applied to microfinance development and programs, the rationale that practitioners provide for implementing these services, the range of goals established, and the methodologies applied. The paper also addresses key factors associated with effective performance and current thinking on cost and sustainability issues.