Abstract
The pattern of loans granted by the Guyana Agricultural Cooperative Development Bank was analysed for nutrition and national development implications. Results suggest that traditional banking criteria were applied to the general disadvantage of the most needy groups. This is viewed in the context of evidence from other countries which suggests that welfare objectives need not conflict with the goal of increased production. An integrated approach to regional development is seen as indispensable. This would permit a change in the lending pattern to one that might benefit small farmers who are also most at-risk of malnutrition.
