Niger - Rural Financial Services : Expanding Financial Access to the Rural Poor

The main objective of this study is to
identify the major impediments to access to financial
services in rural areas, and provide practical
recommendations to address the identified problems. The
study aims to inform on rural finance policies and
innovative instruments by examining both supply and demand
sides including an identification of non-financial issues
that restrict development of the rural financial sector.
Addressing the lack of rural access to financial services in
the Niger development process continues to figure
prominently on the Government agenda without, however, a
systematic action plan and strategy. Adopting ad hoc
solutions (such as the creation of an agricultural
development bank) without addressing the structural issues
that limit access to financial services will, unfortunately,
not yield any positive long lasting results.