Women and Men in Rural Microfinance: The Case of Jordan

The paper states that a broader range of clients and products contribute to economies of scale and scope in microfinance. It argues that Jordanian microfinance is still an infant industry and challenges donors to create competitive financial services for Jordanians, especially the poor. Donors involved in revolving funds in Jordan should encourage linkages with NGOs and existing foundations providing business development services geared to women microentrepreneurs. The paper examines:

• Contradictions in financial sector and gender policies, especially issues in social equality and economic disparities;
• Client and institutional perspectives in the Agricultural Credit Corporation (ACC) of Jordan;
• NGOs in microfinance using case studies of MFIs;
• Building a microfinance sector with outreach to women and the poor;
• Issues in gender mainstreaming; and
• International Fund for Agricultural Development's (IFAD's) focus on poverty in Jordan.

Lists viable MFI products and says that microfinance should not be restricted to microcredit, but should include savings, insurance, money transfer, and other financial services. Concludes there is increases in agricultural productivity despite unfavorable conditions, and Jordan.

• Has a well developed banking sector but with vast excess liquidity;
• Should broaden the scope of microfinance;
• Adopt sound microfinance practices;
• Women microentrepreneurs are becoming more visible.