David Roodman's Microfinance Open Book Blog

As I've mentioned, I've been asked many times whether all the bad press around microfinance in the last few years has affected perceptions among the public in general and funders in particular. Usually in response to this question, I've shrugged and pointed out that Kiva seems to be doing fine.

CGAP's main blog just posted another contribution from me summarizing a chapter of my book. This one is on chapter 7, which evaluates microfinance from the "development as freedom" perspective.

In sum, I see financial services as inherently empowering—after all, they exist to help people manage their financial affairs—but not automatically so.

• Nice summary of my Paris book talk and the commentary http://t.co/dOZYXrs3 #microfinance #

Last month Alex Counts, the president, founder, and CEO of the U.S.-based Grameen Foundation, reviewed my book. His review may well be the most thorough and thoughtful the book will get. I am humbled by his praise and his minor criticisms.