1980 -  IFAD proves that smallholders and the rural poor are bankable

Conventionally regarded as high-risk clients, these groups are deprived of access to credit. Inspired by its mandate, IFAD searches for and experiments with innovative practices, including group lending that does away with the requirement for collateral. A small grant of USD 30 million through the Government of Bangladesh to the Grameen Bank initiates a programme of strong support to this institution involving USD 60 million over the next decade. Over the years, IFAD becomes an agency that is widely acknowledged for its specialization in rural financing.