This study aims to identify the perception that borrowers (MEPs) in the Cameroonian context have of the profitability of group lending (solidarity microcredit) on their income-generating activities (IGAs) and the factors that can influence it. The sample is composed of 1801 women's groups with a minimum of 5 members and a maximum of more than 50 members. The results of the content and statistical analysis by contingency tables of the semi-structured interview carried out with 1805 women's groups (MPEs) that have benefited from at least three rounds of group loans from MFIs generally show the profitability of group loans on the activities and experiences of borrowers. However, this profitability of the loans depends largely on the combination and influence of an effective policy of the solidarity microcredit offered, its efficient use and control by the beneficiaries, the work performance of the borrowers and finally the diversification of their activities. For the majority omicroentrepreneurs (95% of the sample), the profits from their activities have enabled them to meet the basic needs of their household (housing, food, education, health, etc.) and their community. The best clients in terms of profitability are those engaged in production activities, i.e. 36.8% of the clientele over the period 2007 to 2014. This analysis verifies, through relative representativeness, that borrowers in the production sector find the loans profitable, i.e. a frequency of profitability without constraints of 39.1 against 44.8 of those doing trade.

Jel classifications : D91 ;G21 ;G32 ;G41

Keywords: Borrowers influencers, Microfinance, Group lending, Profitability