The challenge in rural finance is for policies that promote the development of a variety of viable financial institutions that are client oriented, mobilise deposits efficiently and provide access to loans for a broad spectrum of farmers, agribusiness entrepreneurs and other rural clients. Agricultural policies are needed which promote the development of profitable farming and these must be supported by road improvements in rural areas. Governments can use their powers regarding taxation, subsidisation, regulation and enforcement to influence the direction of desired developments. Donors also have the potential to influence policy decisions and can play a key role in improving the enabling environment for effective rural financial intermediation to develop.

You can browse for resources under the following sub-headings:

• Agricultural sector: investing in rural infrastructure and policies to ensure the profitability of farming
• Cooperative sector: appropriate legislation and policies to enable the growth of viable, independent cooperatives
• Donor guidelines: how donors can help the development of rural financial markets and services
• Financial sector: how governments influence financial markets and affect the development of micro and rural finance in particular
• Impact analysis: how to determine the impact of policies that promote rural financial services and other areas of rural development
• Livelihood promotion: how agencies can design livelihood intervention strategies to complement financial services
• Microfinance: strategies for bringing financial services to the poor
• Policy dialogue: creating processes to ensure stakeholder involvement in the formulation or modification of policies
• Regulation: the vital role of prudential regulation and supervision in sound financial systems
• Rural finance: how to make rural financial markets function better

Here at the top level you can find a few documents that provide good general overviews and glossaries of terms.