Defying the Odds

A seminal and ground breaking study--especially commended to the attention of the students of International Economics, and it] will be of immense interest to non-specialist general readers with an interest in the welfare and improvement of third world country economics and societies. --The Midwest Book Review, July 2004 *Draws from the experience of selected creative microfinance programs in Asia, West Africa, and Latin America *Unique view of microfinance from a political-economy perspective Setting itself apart from other microfinance literature, this distinctive book focuses on the context of social and economic change in developing countries, claiming the poor do not create poverty. The book's focus on grassroots developmental entrepreneurship and alternative poverty-reduction strategies will be of interest to policymakers as well as students who are learning how microfinance has grown worldwide.