a comparative study in Nepal Thakur, Ghuran creator Hansen, Gunner Kjer Chairperson Boonjit Titapiwatanakun Examination committee Darunee Tantiwiramanond Examination committee DANIDA Scholarship donor Asian Institute of Technology Scholarship donor text series technical report th Bangkok Asian Institute of Technology 1998 continuing eng 149 leaves To compare the transaction cost of borrower, transaction cost of lenders, outreach, loan repayment rate and group saving between SFCL and SFDP, a field research was conducted in Piple, Chitwan District, Nepal. This study also attempted to integrate gender dimension in the process of data collection and analysis. The study concludes that SFCL program is more efficient and financially viable than SFDP. Both TCB and TCL have decreased in SFCL. Both saving collection and mobilization have significantly increased. Loan investment has significantly increased. Comparing men, women respondents have significantly less level of literacy, less control in utilization of credit and benefit. But loan repayment rate was found slightly higher in women. Among small farmers, those with less land holding have utilized and repaid larger amounts of loan as compared to those with more land holding. Positive association between land holding and level of literacy was found. Recommendations have been made for preparation of different types of annual plans for individual members, groups, inter- groups and the main committee. SFCL should give more priority in organizing new groups especially for the women's groups (women are more responsible members and loan repayment is better than men). Women should be specially trained so that they can be involved in income generating activities as well as in decision making. Men also need training for more open towards women and successfully implementation of income generating program. Inter groups and local promoters should be mobilized in loan disbursement, collection and saving program. Proper management of fund circulation should be practiced. A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science, School of Environment, Resources and Development Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1998 Credit Nepal Management Asian Institute of Technology. http://203.159.5.9/ait-thesis/detail.php?q=B13215 http://203.159.5.9/ait-thesis/detail.php?q=B13215 190499 20260818095205.0