Microfinance Institutions in Yemen “Hurdles and Remedies”

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to investigate the different types of hurdles limiting the growth and development of microfinance institutions operating in Yemen, and to suggest relevant recommendations that be used as a backup in the process of taking remedial measures. The study is both descriptive and analytical in nature. The data collected is based on both primary and secondary sources. The primary data was collected during the field study of ongoing PhD research study on the role of microfinance in mitigating poverty and unemployment in Yemen conducted in October 2015 by Mr. Ali Alshebami. Only a sample of nine MFIs was selected from The MFIs operating in the market, as the remaining MFIs could not be easily reached due to the prevailing persistent internal war situation. A few of these hurdles include but not limited the existence of insufficient funds necessary for financial business and the availability of poor physical infrastructure in the rural areas. In addition, the shortage of qualified human resources, the poor diversification of products and services, the political instability of the country, the wrong perception about lending to the poor and many others. Among other remedial measures, investible funds and designing of integrated financial products with the inclusion of micro insurance are essential, these two vital ones along with including the financial linkages between MFIs and formal banking institutions should be adopted for more enhancement. The study confirms that there are several difficulties and challenges, which hinder the MFIs from progressing and achieving their mission in terms of outreach to the poor people.