Publication database

This report reviews the Gatsby Foundation’s programme of support for agricultural research and technology dissemination in parts of sub-Saharan Africa. It describes some achievements and lessons learned, from the successful deployment of resistant crop varieties to combat the effects of cassava mosaic disease in Uganda, to the development of an entirely new approach to the management of insect pests, pioneered in western Kenya.

This paper uses a new dataset to test whether  financial intermediaries are able to offer an attractive alternative to moneylenders for small borrowers. Among several factors under consideration by prospective members is an evaluation of the perceived risk involved with membership based on unlimited liability. Using a trust index we can show that most mutual institutions are not attractive in the sense that prospective members must trust a disproportionately high share of members to find joining a mutual institution attractive. In the medium term, this leads to a non sustainable financial system. We also draw conclusions about the sources of this unsustainability and ways for mutual institutions to correct it.

Presents an overview of the South African insurance industry and examines the extent to which for-profit insurance providers serve the needs of low-income people and small and micro-enterprises (SMEs). Examines the provision of microinsurance by microfinance institutions and presents the results of a survey of the use of insurance by SMEs and the perceived risks of entrepreneurs. Discusses the scope for SME-oriented microinsurance in the country.

Estimates numbers of small, medium and micro-enterprises (SMMEs) in South Africa, examines typical capitalisation mechanisms of SMME start-ups and expansions and reviews sources of equity finance in the country. Identifies causes of the equity gap suffered by SMMEs in capitalising their businesses and considers policy interventions to remedy the situation.

Examines the role of financial institutions in transferring remittance and macro-economic background against which such transfers takes place; evaluates use of remittance, the characteristics and needs of remittance sending/receiving persons; explores the possible role of micro-finance institutions in attracting, transferring and administering remittance.

Based on data drawn from three months of field research mainly in Delhi in 2002, and household surveys in Far West Nepal between 1999-2001. Explores the issues related to migration between the two areas, migrants’ participation in financial self-help associations, and the impact that these systems have on remittance patterns.

Examines gender-related inequality in access to collateral and to credit.