Description
Summary:Credit Management Services Limited (CMS) was established in 1992 as a subsidiary of Molver and Company, a Zambian accounting company. It provides lending services through four schemes. This Action Research best practice study focuses on micro-credit schemes for women entrepreneurs. CMS lends to members of existing women's clubs. The success of CMS is to a large extent attributable to its innovative approach to micro-credit delivery -- portfolio diversification, use of existing institutions, transparent MIS, and regular club meetings. The CMS management has learned these lessons: a) high potential for rural savings, b) close supervision improves performance; c) women are a lower credit risk; d) the value of strict contract enforcement; and e) critical minimum loan size.