CGAP (Consultative Group to Assist the Poor), an independent policy and research center housed at the World Bank, recently launched a series of entries on its microfinance blog to facilitate discussions on over-indebtedness. The series aims to offer weekly articles posted by experts involved in research and practice.

Richard Rosenberg, a senior advisor at CGAP, was the first to offer his thoughts on the issue through his post “Flying Blind on Over-indebtedness?” [1]. Public participation is encouraged through the posting of comments to the website.

By Medha Ravi, Research Associate

About CGAP (Consultative Group to Assist the Poor):
Housed at the World Bank Group, CGAP (Consultative Group to Assist the Poor) is an independent policy and research center dedicated to facilitating the provision of financial access to poor people worldwide. CGAP is supported by approximately thirty development agencies and private foundations. Its mission is to provide market intelligence, to promote standards and to offer advisory services to governments, microfinance providers, donors and investors.

Source and Resources:

[1] CGAP (Consultative Group to Assist the Poor) Microfinance Blog, http://microfinance.cgap.org/

MicroCapital.org paper wrap-up, February 2, 2011, “MICROCAPITAL PAPER WRAP-UP: Over-Indebtedness and Microfinance: Constructing an Early Warning Index; by Vivien Kappel, Annette Krauss and Laura Lontzek; published by Center for Microfinance, University of Zurich, responsAbility Social Investments AG, Triodos Bank and Council of Microfinance Equity Funds”, http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-paper-wrap-up-over-indebtedness-and-microfinance-constructing-an-early-warning-index-by-vivien-kappel-annette-krauss-and-laura-lontzek-published-by-center-for-microfinance-universit/

MicroCapital.org story, March 3, 2009, “MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: CGAP (Consultative Group to Assist the Poor) Drafts Technical Guide, “Advancing Savings Services: Resource Guide for Funders,” for Public Review”, http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-cgap-consultative-group-to-assist-the-poor-drafts-technical-guide-advancing-savings-services-resource-guide-for-funders-for-public-review/

MicroCapital’s Microfinance Universe Profile: CGAP (Consultative Group to Assist the Poor), http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=CGAP+%28Consultative+Group+to+Assist+the+Poor%29

Browse the MicroCapital Universe and add your entry to the wiki at: http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/