Islamic Microfinance - A Feasibility Study in the Albanian Market

The objective of this book is to provide a deep analysis of the demand of microcredit and through an investigative research methodology to gain more information on the demand for loans and possibilities for diversification of agricultural and non-agricultural loans in rural areas of Albania. Basis of the analysis is an in-depth demand-side market. This research study on Islamic Microfinance product’s demand in Albania also intends to recommend the proper Islamic Financial Products to any International Financial Institution that is interested to invest in Albania in these microfinance products. Some specific objectives of this research were; a) To understand and asses the target market needs for loans. b) To clarify specific needs for Islamic Microcredit in rural areas of Albania. c) To prepare a market-based needs assessment of the micro-businesses mainly in rural and semi-urban areas. To come up with recommendations for products that will be acceptable to households that have reservations regarding the repayment of interest rate owing to the prohibition of usury in Islam. This research study will serve as a baseline analysis for the design of new microcredit products.