EVALUATION OF THE AGROAMIGO RURAL MICROFINANCE PROGRAM: A SYSTEMATIC ANALYSIS OF THE PROGRAM’S LITERATURE

Abstract

The present work provides a systematic review of the literature on the economic and social impacts of the Rural Microfinance Program of the Banco do Nordeste do Brasil (BNB), called Agroamigo. To achieve the proposed objective, dozens of works were analysed, in order to elect those that constitute the specific empirical literature. In general, macro and microeconomic studies confirm the existence of positive effects of the Program. The findings point to a positive effect of Agroamigo on socioeconomic development and poverty reduction, contributing to an expansion of the beneficiaries’ well-being. In addition, its social role of generating incentives for the independence of farmers through the organization of production units is highlighted. Finally, an important achievement of Agroamigo is related to the reduction of default by the Program’s clients.