Uncommon Ground – Lessons From Below

Microfinance rests on mutualism. This is very different from the individualism of free markets.
Looking for models of financial prudence and sustainability? We don’t have to look very far. Tucked safely away from the scorching heat of the meltdown, at least so far, is the vastly distributed microfinance sector in India, which offers us fascinating lessons.
With an estimated 4.3 million self-help groups (SHGs) scattered across the country, with an average membership per group of 15, mostly women, and an average savings mobilization of Rs22,000, we have the world’s largest microfinance sector and certainly its most diverse.