#1
What is the main goal of microfinance?
Poverty alleviation
ExplanationMicrofinance aims to alleviate poverty by providing financial services to those lacking access to traditional banking.
#2
What is the term for providing financial services to those in the low-income segment who lack access to traditional banking services?
Microfinance
ExplanationMicrofinance targets the financially excluded, offering them access to credit, savings, and insurance services.
#3
What is the primary focus of microfinance institutions when providing financial services to the poor?
Social impact and poverty alleviation
ExplanationMicrofinance institutions prioritize social impact and poverty alleviation over purely financial returns when serving the poor.
#4
Which country is often cited as a successful example of microfinance-led poverty reduction?
Bangladesh
ExplanationBangladesh is frequently cited as a successful case of microfinance-led poverty reduction, notably through initiatives like the Grameen Bank.
#5
Which United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) is related to microfinance and poverty alleviation?
SDG 1: No Poverty
ExplanationSDG 1 aims to end poverty in all its forms, making it closely aligned with the objectives of microfinance in poverty alleviation and economic empowerment.
#6
What is the term for the process of offering financial services to individuals or businesses in low-income and rural areas?
Microfinance
ExplanationMicrofinance encompasses the provision of financial services, including credit, savings, and insurance, to those in low-income and rural areas, fostering economic inclusion and development.
#7
Which of the following is a common microfinance instrument?
Savings accounts
ExplanationSavings accounts are commonly used in microfinance to promote financial inclusion and savings habits.
#8
Who is considered the pioneer of microfinance and the founder of the Grameen Bank?
Muhammad Yunus
ExplanationMuhammad Yunus is credited with pioneering microfinance and founding the Grameen Bank in Bangladesh.
#9
What does APR stand for in the context of microfinance?
Annual Percentage Rate
ExplanationAPR represents the annualized cost of borrowing, including interest rates and fees, and is crucial for comparing loan offers.
#10
Which of the following is a potential benefit of microfinance to women?
Empowerment and economic independence
ExplanationMicrofinance can empower women by providing access to financial resources, enabling them to start businesses and gain economic independence.
#11
In microfinance, what does the acronym 'SME' stand for?
Small and Medium Enterprises
ExplanationSMEs are small and medium-sized enterprises that often receive financial support from microfinance institutions to grow their businesses.
#12
Which of the following is a common challenge faced by microfinance institutions?
All of the above
ExplanationMicrofinance institutions often grapple with challenges such as sustainability, reaching remote populations, and ensuring client protection.
#13
What is the concept of 'Group Lending' in microfinance?
Lending to a group of borrowers
ExplanationGroup lending involves providing loans to a group of individuals who collectively guarantee repayment, fostering social cohesion and accountability.
#14
In microfinance, what does the term 'ROSCA' stand for?
Revolving Organizational Savings and Credit Association
ExplanationROSCA refers to a form of informal savings and credit arrangement where members contribute regularly to a pool, from which they can borrow in turns.
#15
Which organization won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for its efforts in microfinance?
Grameen Foundation
ExplanationThe Grameen Foundation, founded by Muhammad Yunus, received the Nobel Peace Prize for its pioneering work in microfinance.
#16
What is the term for the practice of offering a combination of financial services such as savings, credit, and insurance to the poor?
Microfinance Plus
ExplanationMicrofinance Plus involves providing a suite of financial services beyond just credit, catering to the diverse needs of the poor.
#17
What is the term for the process of gradually increasing loan sizes for borrowers who successfully repay their initial loans?
Step-Up Microcredit
ExplanationStep-Up Microcredit allows borrowers to access larger loans as they demonstrate creditworthiness through timely repayment.
#18
What is the term for the process of collecting and analyzing data about the financial health of microfinance clients?
Client Profiling
ExplanationClient Profiling involves gathering information about clients' financial needs, behaviors, and risks to tailor services effectively.