Awareness and perceptions of Islamic microfinance among microfinance clients in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Issue 1 (2nd January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sabi, Manijeh
• Is Part Of: Central Asian survey. Volume 35:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 26
• Page End: 37
• Publication Date: 2016-01-02
• Subjects: Islamic microfinance -- Central Asia -- Kyrgyzstan -- Tajikistan; Asia, Central -- Periodicals; 958.005
• DOI: 10.1080/02634937.2016.1147214
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0263-4937

Abstract

Abstract : This study examines the level of awareness and sources of demand for Islamic microfinance among the clients of microfinance institutions in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. The research question is whether the source of demand is based on religious beliefs or the assumption of interest-free Islamic-compliant products. The field research uses a sample of 150 clients of several conventional microfinance institutions in these two countries. Although many analysts still maintain that there is a demand for Islamic microfinance in many parts of the world, the current qualitative and quantitative research indicates no clear demand for these products in these two countries. The relevant question for future research is whether microfinance users will demand Islamic microfinance instruments.