ブックタイトル佐藤栄作論文集９～１６

概要

佐藤栄作論文集９～１６

第15回優秀賞makes it difficult for microcredit programs in the US to be financially self-sufficientor sustainable. In other words, without the best borrowers, it is difficult for themto break even. Thus they are inclined to avoid comparing themselves with the selfsufficientGrameen Bank and tend to justify their program costs by emphasizing theirrole as an advocate for social justice. The AEO thus believes that“all individuals havea right and the capacity to participate in the economy according to their values andbeliefs.”19Despite the above problems, the future of US microcredit programs has significantimplications for the issue of poverty eradication in the rest of the world. As an articlein“U.S. News & World Report”astutely pointed out, the success of microcreditprograms at home would make skeptical US lawmakers think twice before cuttingODA (Official Development Assistance) to the South. 20 It points to the possibility thatthe globalization of microcredit programs can impact positively on other developmentassistance programs.At any rate, it may sound platitudinous but we must conclude that the“best mix”of all micro-credit models varies from country to country. Simply put, there is not yetenough knowledge of which model works best in which particular country, let alonewhich particular community, to make a general conclusive prescriptive statementherein.? The Micro-Credit Program and the United NationsTo return to our initial example of the Grameen Bank, when it was established in1983, the bank received support from the Bangladesh Bank, the Ford Foundation,and the IFAD (International Fund for Agricultural Development) -- the specializedUN aid agency set up to“assist developing countries in combating rural poverty andmalnutrition by organizing the financing needed to increase agricultural production.”2119 AEO (website: http://www.wwa.com/~aeo/aeobro.html).20 U.S. News & World Report, (February 10, 1997).21 A Global Agenda: Issues Before the 53rd General Assembly of the United Nations, (UNA-USA, 1998-99 edition), p.138.685