Credit Facilities for the Poorest of the Poor : A Study on Grameen Bank in Bangladesh

Abstract

Bangladesh has a vast poor population and has grown alarmingly since independence. They are not only extremely poor but are virtually shelter less on a regular basis (Rahman, 1989-90: 381). The World Development Report 1990 presents daily calorie supply per capita for various countries. Among the 38 low-income countries, Bangladesh with only 1927 calories supply per day per capita occupies ninth position from the bottom (Momin, 1992: 9). A recent survey showed that 64 percent of surveyed household had difficulty in satisfying basic needs, 70 percent of those experienced it on a prolonged basis (BBS, 1995). Widespread poverty, malnutrition and hunger have also been reported by a village survey (1989-90) 01 BIDS. Using head count ratio, it was found that 60 percent of the sample were below poverty line. This poor segment of the society is purpose<l to serious risk of he,1lth damage. The malnutrition among children is even more serious and 94 percent of them suffer from some degree of malnutrition (Rahman, 1989-90: 38 l). Women experience hunger and poverty in much more severe way than men. Women have to stay home and manage the family with virtually nothing to manage with. When there is nothing to eat, the husband does not come home. The mother is left with the children to feed. If one has to starve in the family, it is always she has to go through it. Employment is an instrument. in the struggle for subsistence and alleviation of poverty……………………………………