In theory, microfinance is a system of decentralized bankers lending to the poor in order to improve economic systems and emphasize entrepreneurial development. Specifically, within the Middle East and North Africa region, the poor economic performances have been closely linked to poor savings and investments. This thesis explores the various factors which affect the microfinance sector in three countries in the Middle East and North Africa region: Algeria, Tunisia, and Lebanon. Algeria, Tunisia, and Lebanon, have similar cultural and political histories that could potentially affect the development of microfinance within the state. Microfinance institutes aim at economic improvements, but the success of microfinance is contingent on different factors in disparate countries. For this reason, focusing on these particular former French countries make it possible to assess if the history and government policies of a country have an impact on the extent to which microfinance is incorporated in the alleviation of poverty.

The aim of this study is to investigate the nature, extent and impact of micro lending on the social functioning of members of Correctional Services. The negative implications and involvement of employers in micro lending often surface too late because the borrower is not well enough informed. This study is approached from a systemic perspective, which focuses on the bilateral influence of systems and their role in the individual’s everyday life. Because of the fact that a void has been identified in regard to scientific literature and evidence concerning this problem, an explorative study has been undertaken for data collection. In order to reach the goal, literature studies were undertaken, conversations with experts and individuals who have had first hand experience regarding micro lending. For the purpose of this study a questionnaire has been used with fourty respondents. This study was undertaken at the Department of Correctional Services Baviaanspoort Management Area. This study is based on quantitative and developmental research principles, within the exploratory design. From the research findings, several results and recommendations were put forward. / Dissertation (MSD (EAP))--University of Pretoria, 2005. / Social Work / unrestricted

Abstract Most microloan applicants in Nigeria are denied access to financial services by the commercial banks because of the high risk involved in granting loans to an individual without tangible assets to offer as collateral. The purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore small business owners' understanding of suitable funding options from microfinance banks in Nigeria to sustain their businesses beyond the first 5 years. An investigation was conducted on how small business owners could obtain information on funding options most suitable to sustain their business. Guided by the ethical banking operations framework theory, the strategies business owners had used was explored to understand available funding options. A homogenous sampling strategy was used to purposefully identify and select the microfinance applicants who had similar experiences using different funding options. Fifteen customers of microfinance institutions (MFIs) participated in semistructured interviews. Additional data on MFIs was obtained from established secondary sources. Yin's 5-step process was used to analyse the data, with member checking and triangulation used for validation. Key findings emerged on lack of appropriate entrepreneur training, inadequate financial management, skills gap, and inability to interpret the bank's information on loan procedures. This revealed the need to develop ways for small business owners to more easily access information on loan options. MFIs may use the findings of the study to enhance access to their financial services and promote the growth of MFIs to increase sustainable economic growth for both owners and the local communities they serve. Positive social change may be promoted through financial empowerment and job creation.