JBS Vol 04. Num 1. 2002 - MICROFINANCE, SELF-RELIANCE AND SUSTAINABILITY: THE CASE OF A NONGOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION IN BANGLADESH

Over the last two decades, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have emerged as major players in the
development arena of the developing nations, There have been rigorous philosophical debates as to the effectiveness
and appropriateness of these organizations in terms of their replicability, geographic coverage and governance
Microfinance is increasingly seen as an effective means to address urban and rural poverty in developing countries
and a model for sustainable development However, it is also cautioned that it should not be seen as a panacea
for poverty eradication Io investigate some of these issues, I conducted a study in 1998-1999 and a follow up in
200 I into the socio?economic impacts of a NGO in Banglndesh - Assistance for Social Organizntion and
Development (ASOD). In addition to its major microcredit programs for rural women, ASOD has a number of
programs addressing health, education, and social issues concerning women The study reveals that despite the
success of the micro finance programs of ASOD, the NGO is yet to go a long way to achieve sustainability at the
grassroots level. The programs helped increase household income and made important contributions to women's
empowerment. Money borrowed from ASOD helped many families develop ongoing income-generating activities
Yet it is not evident whether their credit dependency cnn be transformed into self:.reliance in the near future ..
Uncertainty and inegularity in funding from the donor agencies and the national apex organization are affecting
A SO D's program performance