Microcrédit et surendettement des femmes de la Haute-Guinée

Abstract

Following various payment crises that shook the microfinance sector in the 2009-2012 period, over-indebtedness has become a major concern. The case of Upper Guinea, which is studied here, illustrates this phenomenon. Based on qualitative data, this article highlights three main factors for female over-indebtedness: the use of microcredit for social spending, commercial risks (exacerbated by the Ebola virus), and climate hazards. When dealing with non-payment, microfinance institutions (MFIs) implement various social sanctions (public display of the borrowers’ photos, confinement in microfinance agencies, summons to court, etc.). The consequences of these various sanctions force some women, who have been humiliated and stigmatized, to migrate to mining areas in order to manage to repay their debts.

Keywords

• microcredit
• women
• over-indebtedness
• patriarchy
• social pressure
• migration