Microfinance in Afghanistan
		INTRODUCTION - Small Loans, Big Difference - Shamsia: Profile of a Borrower - Life in Shashtepa Takes a Turn For... - A Story of Glitter and Plastic...

Introduction

Mercy Corps has continuously been working in Afghanistan since 1986. In recent years, we have assisted two and a half million Afghans with programs to help rehabilitate lives and livelihoods after decades of conflict, political instability and a multi-year drought.

To date, Mercy Corps has completed over 50 programs throughout Afghanistan's urban and rural areas. These programs focus on agricultural and economic development to empower citizens, and initiatives that provide access to services and opportunities for marginalized Afghans.

As the country struggles to move toward a brighter future, Mercy Corps programs strive to ensure that Afghans at the household, community and institutional level are able to build sustainable livelihoods and productive communities in an environment in which the government is accountable to the people.

This series highlights the Ariana microfinance program started in Kabul City in May of 2003. Ariana Financial Service Group provides fair priced savings and loan products to poor clients to help increase their incomes, expand their businesses and improve their quality of life.

Since the program inception, Ariana has supported nearly 17,000 clients with a total of over three million US dollars in loans. 82% of Ariana's clients are women, who represent one of the most vulnerable social groups in Afghanistan. Ariana's clients run micro-enterprises in all areas of Afghan life; i.e. weaving, carpentry, tailoring, hair dressing, food processing, florists, kite production, knitting, leather working or animal husbandry. Ariana has received funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and from MISFA (Microfinance Investment Support Facility for Afghanistan).