BFC has completed a feasibility study to inform its client on whether, how and with whom to partner for a planned commercial downscaling project targeting farmers and MSEs in rural Azerbaijan.

BFC worked with a local market research company to determine the potential demand for microfinance in rural areas:

• Developing distinct questionnaires for farmers and non-farming MSEs;
• Training market survey teams;
• Developing a sampling methodology based on size of business, location and sector;
• Overseeing the interviewing of 300 respondents in five regions.

In addition, BFC has:

• Provided a detailed analysis of current microfinance supply in rural Azerbaijan;
• Created detailed maps of microfinance service coverage throughout the country;
• Pinpointed possible improvements in current lending operations;
• Identified promising products and services for selected target groups;
• Researched the legal framework affecting MSEs and credit providers;
• Evaluated the suitability of potential partner institutions for inclusion in the programme.