This study forms part of the output of a consultancy on Social Development Funds in Zimbabwe and Malawi commissioned from Chr. Michelsen Institute by the African Development Bank. It describes, analyses and evaluates selected microprojects and microcredit schemes in Malawi from the perspective of Social Dimensions of Adjustment programming and poverty alleviation objectives. The study assesses the context and dimensions of poverty in Malawi, especially in its Poverty Alleviation Programme, in particular community based and microcredit components. It evaluates the design, implementation and performance of four recent microcredit schemes: the UNDP pilot microenterprise programme, the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Fund, microenterprise projects funded under the SDA pilot programme and the Malawi Mudzi Fund; and concludes with recommendations on possible forms of follow-up interventions by the ADB.