Case Study

United Nations Development Programme: Programme of The Government of Yemen

Features and implementation of Microstart in Yemen
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Microstart is United Nations Development Program's (UNDP) global pilot project that aims to build the capacity of local organizations to initiate or expand existing microfinance activities. MicroStart aims to provide financial services to the poor on a sustainable basis.

This paper argues that Microstart will help develop microfinance, which is still at a nascent stage in Yemen. The main aims of the project in Yemen would be to:

  • Develop the capacity of local participatory organizations to deliver sustainable microfinance products to the poor;
  • Increase the ability of the poor to use microfinance to improve their well-being;
  • Cultivate local expertise to provide technical services to microfinance practitioners;
  • Promote socio-economic integration of the poor, especially rural women, through providing micro credit and providing sustainable livelihood opportunities.

As per the paper, the features of Microstart in Yemen are:

  • Collaboration with outside projects and donors;
  • Use of an international technical services provider to help MFIs diversify their sources of funding;
  • Alliances with the Social Fund, other government and non-government organizations.

The paper also discusses in detail various other subjects such as:

  • Demand for microfinance in Yemen;
  • Expected outcomes of the program;
  • Participating organizations;
  • Location;
  • Specific risks faced by the program in Yemen;
  • Implementation of the program including objectives, outputs and activities.

The paper concludes with a step-by-step guide about the monitoring, review, reporting and evaluation of the program in Yemen.

About this Publication

By UNDP
Published