Rural Microenterprise Promotion Programme  (RuMEPP)

Building on the experiences of the IFAD-funded Rural Microenterprise Finance Project, the programme targets the poorest 19 provinces in five of the poorest regions in the country, focusing on areas with the highest potential for enterprise development. The aim is to raise the incomes and improve the livelihoods of poor rural people by providing them with loans and other financial services, and with business development services such as capacity-building, market linkages and product development.  It will work with poor microentrepreneurs and other poor people involved in microenterprises including women, young people and indigenous peoples. Although the programme will focus on formation and expansion of microenterprises at the lower and poorer end of the scale of assets, it will also include larger microenterprises, which are an important source of employment.

The programme’s objective is to see increasing numbers of new and existing rural microenterprises expanding and operating profitably and sustainably. Investments will support microfinance and credit, microenterprise promotion and development, and programme and policy coordination. Programme operations will adhere to sound financial principles, and resources will be concentrated in a limited area to avoid diluting their impact. Poor rural people will have a say in programme planning and in adjustments that are required during implementation. Activities will pinpoint policy issues and opportunities.

Source: IFAD