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Economics, Econometrics and Finance › Economics and Econometrics

Microfinance and Financial Inclusion

Works Count: 63698

Description

This cluster of papers focuses on the intersection of microfinance, gender empowerment, and economic development. It explores the impact of microfinance on poverty reduction, financial inclusion, and women's empowerment, with a particular emphasis on access to finance, social capital, and the role of mobile money in promoting economic opportunities for the poor.

Keywords

Microfinance; Empowerment; Gender Equality; Financial Inclusion; Poverty Reduction; Economic Development; Women's Empowerment; Access to Finance; Social Capital; Mobile Money

Banker to the poor: micro-lending and the battle against world poverty

2000-03-01
Muhammad Yunus , Alan Jolis
Muhammad Yunus is that rare thing: a bona fide visionary. His dream is the total eradication of poverty from the world. In 1983, against the advice of banking and government … Muhammad Yunus is that rare thing: a bona fide visionary. His dream is the total eradication of poverty from the world. In 1983, against the advice of banking and government officials, Yunus established Grameen, a bank devoted to providing the poorest of Bangladesh with minuscule loans. Grameen Bank, based on the belief that credit is a basic human right, not the privilege of a fortunate few, now provides over 2.5 billion dollars of micro-loans to more than two million families in rural Bangladesh. Ninety-four percent of Yunus's clients are women, and repayment rates are near 100 percent. Around the world, micro-lending programs inspired by Grameen are blossoming, with more than three hundred programs established in the United States alone. Banker to the Poor is Muhammad Yunus's memoir of how he decided to change his life in order to help the world's poor. In it he traces the intellectual and spiritual journey that led him to fundamentally rethink the economic relationship between rich and poor, and the challenges he and his colleagues faced in founding Grameen. He also provides wise, hopeful guidance for anyone who would like to join him in putting homelessness and destitution in a museum so that one day our children will visit it and ask how we could have allowed such a terrible thing to go on for so long. The definitive history of micro-credit direct from the man that conceived of it, Banker to the Poor is necessary and inspirational reading for anyone interested in economics, public policy, philanthropy, social history, and business. Muhammad Yunus was born in Bangladesh and earned his Ph.D. in economics in the United States at Vanderbilt University, where he was deeply influenced by the civil rights movement. He still lives in Bangladesh, and travels widely around the world on behalf of Grameen Bank and the concept of micro-credit.

The Microfinance Revolution

2001-05-31
Marguerite S. Robinson
No AccessStand Alone Books1 Feb 2013The Microfinance RevolutionSustainable Finance for the PoorAuthors/Editors: Marguerite S. RobinsonMarguerite S. Robinsonhttps://doi.org/10.1596/0-8213-4524-9SectionsAboutPDF (2.8 MB)Other FormatsePUB ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack Citations ShareFacebookTwitterLinked In Abstract:This book focuses … No AccessStand Alone Books1 Feb 2013The Microfinance RevolutionSustainable Finance for the PoorAuthors/Editors: Marguerite S. RobinsonMarguerite S. Robinsonhttps://doi.org/10.1596/0-8213-4524-9SectionsAboutPDF (2.8 MB)Other FormatsePUB ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack Citations ShareFacebookTwitterLinked In Abstract:This book focuses on how the demand for microfinance can be met on a global scale. It documents the contributions of institutions and of people who have led the development of commercial finance for the poor, and it analyzes the principles on which the microfinance revolution is based. In sum, this work offers a detailed overview of the development of microfinance over the past 20 years; a global view of microfinance in the developing world (largely excluding Eastern Europe); a thesis on the future path of microfinance; a coherent theory about microfinance--why it works when so many other development interventions fail; detail on a number of important microfinance topics--such as informal moneylending and savings; an important study on, and lessons from Indonesia, with detailed analysis of Bank Rakyat Indonesia; and, brief studies of many other microfinance institutions in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. FiguresreferencesRecommendeddetailsCited byUnanswered questions in entrepreneurial financeVenture Capital, Vol.26, No.122 February 2023Impacts of Capital Structure on Microfinance Institutions' Risk: Evidence from Low- and Middle-Income Countries31 October 2023Sustainable Finance for Maritime Development: A Critical Analysis of Green Bonds in the National Recovery and Resilience Plan24 January 2024Determinants of choice of credit source among clients of microfinance systems in the Upper West Region of GhanaCogent Business & Management, Vol.10, No.19 March 2023Microfinance practices versus sustainable welfareInternational Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy (2687-2293), Vol.5, No.431 December 2023Gintingan in Subang: negotiating the role of Indigenous microfinance institution in the Sunda Region of West Java, IndonesiaAlterNative: An International Journal of Indigenous Peoples, Vol.19, No.423 November 2023Microfinance and Poverty Reduction in Assam: Uncovering the Nexus between Access to Credit and Household Well-beingSpace and Culture, India, Vol.11, No.327 November 2023Microfinance bank in Nigeria: operating environment, sustainability, and welfare impactSN Business & Economics, Vol.3, No.1013 September 2023Poverty in Emerging EconomiesMigration speculation: microfinance and migration in the Global SouthThird World Quarterly, Vol.44, No.919 June 2023Microfinance Institutions' Efficiency and its Determinants: Evidence from IndiaSouth Asia Economic Journal, Vol.24, No.24 September 2023Impact of Rural Credit on Household Welfare: Evidence from a Long-Term Panel in BangladeshAsian Development Review, Vol.40, No.0217 October 2023Public-type MFOs as an element of financial systemFinance: Theory and Practice, Vol.27, No.312 July 2023The nonlinearity of the relationship between competition and the dual performance of regulated microfinance institutions in PeruSN Business & Economics, Vol.3, No.722 June 2023The Underside of Microfinance: Performance Indicators and Informal Debt in CambodiaDevelopment and Change, Vol.54, No.413 June 2023TASARRUF FİNANSMAN ŞİRKETLERİNİN HUKUKİ DÜZENLEMESİNDE 'GÜVEN' UNSURUNUN DEĞERLENDİRİLMESİTicaret ve Fikri Mülkiyet Hukuku Dergisi, Vol.9, No.130 June 2023Understanding the Behavior of Qardhul Hassan Borrowers in Nano-EntrepreneurshipCapital structure, financial performance and sustainability of Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) in GhanaCogent Economics & Finance, Vol.11, No.210 July 2023Agricultural credit in India: determinants and effectsIndian Economic Review, Vol.58, No.110 July 2023Gender and Microcredit25 May 2023Land Titling and Microcredit in Cambodia: Examining the Reality of Hernando De Soto's 'Three Steps to Heaven'SSRN Electronic Journal, Vol.341 January 2023Access to Microfinance for Social Mobility in Mexico21 November 2023Women Empowerment in Self Help Groups through Microfinance: A Case Study of Rautahat DistrictSSRN Electronic Journal, Vol.21 January 2023Does microfinance foster the development of its clients? A bibliometric analysis and systematic literature reviewFinancial Innovation, Vol.8, No.120 April 2022Microfinance and Healthcare Access in India: A Cross-Sectional Study on Microfinance Institution BeneficiariesSEDME (Small Enterprises Development, Management & Extension Journal): A worldwide window on MSME Studies, Vol.49, No.417 October 2022The moderating effect of attitude to risk on the role of microfinance in entrepreneurship development in Uttarakhand region, IndiaJournal of Global Entrepreneurship Research, Vol.12, No.111 July 2022Examining mission drift in client targeting among Indian for‐profit microfinance institutions: A multidimensional approachJournal of Public Affairs, Vol.22, No.428 January 2021Depth of Outreach and Financial Sustainability of Microfinance InstitutionsHow Does National Culture Influence Microfinance Institutions?Do rural banks matter that much? Burgess and Pande (2005) reconsideredJournal of Applied Econometrics, Vol.37, No.619 July 2022Women's Self-Employment as a Developmental Strategy: The Dual Constraints of Care Work and Aggregate DemandFeminist Economics, Vol.28, No.33 April 2022Is Microcredit a Reverse Innovation?FIIB Business Review, Vol.11, No.29 October 2020Vulnerable Populations and Individual Social Responsibility in Prosocial Crowdfunding: Does the Framing Matter for Female and Rural Entrepreneurs?Journal of Business Ethics, Vol.177, No.27 January 2021What should government prioritize for the upliftment of the poor in India: access to credit or economic growth?International Review of Public Administration, Vol.27, No.217 May 2022Financing entrepreneurial activity in Uruguay: time to default in a public microcredit institutionVenture Capital, Vol.24, No.214 June 2022Corporate Governance and Financial InclusionInternational Journal of Finance & Banking Studies (2147-4486), Vol.10, No.46 October 2021Forest Stands as Collateral in IndonesiaSmall-scale Forestry, Vol.21, No.11 November 2021Analyzing publication trend on microcredit research using bibliometrics approachInternational Journal of ADVANCED AND APPLIED SCIENCES, Vol.9, No.21 February 2022Women Entrepreneurs in Tanzania18 June 2022The Regulatory and Supervisory Frameworks of Conventional Microfinance in Kenya26 April 2022Financial Inclusion Through Microfinance: Is It Possible?19 July 2022The Grassroots Mobilisation After a Large-Scale Disaster: Examining the Effects of Savings Groups in Myanmar2 March 2022Microfinance and Microfinance Institutions: History, Concept and Purpose8 March 2022Human Resource Management in Indian Microfinance InstitutionsPoverty Reduction Through MicrofinanceMicrofinance Impact on Microbusiness Development in AfricaAgricultural Financing and Economic Growth in NigeriaAfrican Journal of Accounting and Financial Research, Vol.5, No.318 October 2022Factors Affecting the Acceptability of Islamic Micro-Finance in Emerging EconomyJournal of Business and Social Review in Emerging Economies, Vol.7, No.431 December 2021Impact of Access to Agricultural Credit on the Productivity of Togolese FarmersInternational Journal of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Vol.1, No.45 November 2021Liquidity defaults and progressive lending in microfinance: A lab‐in‐the field experiment in BoliviaReview of Development Economics, Vol.25, No.428 June 2021The density of microfinance institutions and multiple borrowing in Ghana: Are rural borrowers vulnerable?Journal of International Development, Vol.33, No.822 October 2021Factors Affecting BoP Producer Intention to Use P2P Lending Platforms in IndiaJournal of Global Marketing, Vol.34, No.428 April 2021Are interest rate caps a relevant tool to cool down overheating microfinance markets?Strategic Change, Vol.30, No.48 July 2021Data Analysis on Emerging Performance of Micro Finance in Zambia-Chipata DistrictInternational Journal of Advanced Research in Science, Communication and Technology4 June 2021Saving for one another: the informal economy of subsistence among the urban poor in GhanaGeoJournal, Vol.86, No.36 January 2020From Credit Risk to Social Impact: On the Funding Determinants in Interest-Free Peer-to-Peer LendingJournal of Business Ethics, Vol.170, No.25 November 2019How residues of deinstitutionalised practices persist over time: World Bank boundary work in development projects in Pakistan from the 1970s to the mid-2000sBusiness History, Vol.812 April 2021Microfinance and Violence Against Women in Rural GuatemalaJournal of Interpersonal Violence, Vol.36, No.3-416 November 2017Microfinance and missing marketsCanadian Journal of Economics/Revue canadienne d'économique, Vol.54, No.114 March 2021The impact of women's co-operative in a rural area in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)Masyarakat, Kebudayaan dan Politik, Vol.34, No.119 January 2021The Reality of Youth Unemployment and Unsuitable Development Models in the Global South: Evidence from MoroccoInternational Journal of African Renaissance Studies - Multi-, Inter- and Transdisciplinarity, Vol.16, No.126 July 2021Significance of Microfinance in Entrepreneurship Development: A Study of South Rajasthan1 November 2020The Maturation of Marketized Development Financial Instruments: Microfinance and Structured Funds29 September 2020Toward the Future for Marketized Development Financial Instruments29 September 2020Islam, Neoliberalism and Social Inequality in Bangladesh: A Social Policy Perspective19 December 2020The Lessons of Microcredit8 May 2021Expanding Access to Financial Services19 October 2021The double bottom line of microfinance: A global comparison between conventional and Islamic microfinanceWorld Development, Vol.136Competition and microfinance institutions' performance: evidence from IndiaInternational Journal of Corporate Social Responsibility, Vol.5, No.124 October 2020IMPACT OF MICROFINANCE LOANS ON THE PERFORMANCE OF SMES: THE CASE OF LEBANONBusiness: Theory and Practice, Vol.21, No.2Understanding the feasibility and value of grassroots innovationJournal of the Academy of Marketing Science, Vol.48, No.512 March 2019Customer satisfaction in microfinance institutions: insights from GhanaEnterprise Development & Microfinance, Vol.31, No.31 September 2020An empirical analysis of Thai village funds and saving groups' financial performanceBanks and Bank Systems, Vol.15, No.216 June 2020Corporate governance and performance of microfinance institutions: recent global evidencesJournal of Management and Governance, Vol.24, No.22 January 2019Compulsory versus voluntary savings as an incentive mechanism in microfinance programsJournal of Behavioral and Experimental Finance, Vol.26Microfinance institutions, financial intermediation and the role of depositsAccounting & Finance, Vol.60, No.230 June 2019Effectiveness of Microfinance on Household Income Generation Strategy in the Southwest Region of BangladeshAsian Journal of Social Sciences and Legal Studies30 May 2020Outreaching the poor under microfinance institutions in India: Rhetoric versus realitiesJournal of Public Affairs, Vol.78 May 2020Microfinance in Latin America and the Caribbean: the curse and blessing of ethnic diversityApplied Economics, Vol.52, No.1624 October 2019Determinants of Microfinance Outreach in India: Empirical EvidenceApplied Economics Quarterly, Vol.66, No.2Global mobility of microfinance policiesPolicy and Society, Vol.39, No.111 September 2019Theories, Models and Mechanisms29 June 2020The Construction of Risk Evaluation System of Small Loan Company in China Based on AHP8 May 2020A Study of Microfinance on Sustainable Development20 June 2020How Islamic and conventional bank in Indonesia contributing sustainable development goals achievementCogent Economics & Finance, Vol.8, No.117 December 2020Land Titling Improves Access to Microcredit in Cambodia: Be Careful What You Wish ForSSRN Electronic JournalEntrepreneurship in MalaysiaMobile Financial Services at the Base of the PyramidThe Loan Shark in ASEANDepth of Outreach and Financial Sustainability of Microfinance InstitutionsHow Does National Culture Influence Microfinance Institutions?Financing Sustainable Goals: Economic and Legal Implications2 July 2020Regulating exclusions? Gender, development and the limits of inclusionary financial platformsInternational Journal of Law in Context, Vol.15, No.43 February 2020Why Micro and Small Family Enterprises Do Not Borrow from Microcredit Institutions? A Case Study in East Java, IndonesiaStudies in Business and Economics, Vol.14, No.321 January 2020Savings revisited: a replication study of a savings intervention in MalawiJournal of Development Effectiveness, Vol.11, No.420 October 2019The effect of regulations on ability of MFIs to provide sustained financial services to small businessSmall Enterprise Research, Vol.391 October 2019Quantifying the Managerial Ability of Microfinance Institutions: Evidence from Latin AmericaJournal of International Development, Vol.31, No.713 June 2019Financial inclusion and financial sector development in Sub-Saharan Africa: a panel VAR approachInternational Journal of Managerial Finance, Vol.15, No.4The rise of microcredit 'control fraud' in post-apartheid South Africa: from state-enforced to market-driven exploitation of the black communityReview of African Political Economy, Vol.46, No.1618 April 2019Do outreach approaches differ between Self-Help Group-Bank Linkage and Microfinance Institution-based microfinance? Evidences from Indian statesJournal of Social and Economic Development, Vol.21, No.17 May 2019Microfinance and income inequality: New macrolevel evidenceReview of Development Economics, Vol.23, No.222 November 2018Is there a trade-off between social and financial performance of public commercial banks in India? A multi-activity DEA model with shared inputs and undesirable outputsReview of Managerial Science, Vol.13, No.210 October 2017Efficiency of Microfinance Institutions in India: A Two-Stage DEA ApproachInternational Journal of Rural Management, Vol.15, No.118 March 2019Measuring Women's Self-help Group Sustainability: A Study of Rural AssamInternational Journal of Rural Management, Vol.15, No.17 April 2019The trade-off debate in microfinance: a review of the theoretical and empirical literatureEnterprise Development and Microfinance, Vol.30, No.1Treatment strategies for bad loans to microfinancial institutions: evidence from Kendari, IndonesiaInvestment Management and Financial Innovations, Vol.16, No.127 February 2019Does credit access lead to expansion of income and multidimensional poverty? A study of rural AssamInternational Journal of Social Economics, Vol.46, No.2IntroductionForum for Social Economics, Vol.48, No.126 June 2015South Africa's post-apartheid microcredit experiment: moving from state-enforced to market-enforced exploitationForum for Social Economics, Vol.48, No.110 July 2015All Myth and Ceremony? Examining the Causes and Logic of the Mission Shift in Microfinance from Microenterprise Credit to Financial InclusionForum for Social Economics, Vol.48, No.115 July 2015Deconstructing Financial Inclusion and Exclusion in the Development Discourse: Case Studies of Microfinance Operations in Rural Bangladesh2 January 2019Islamic Microfinance: Exploring the Experience of Akhuwat in Promoting Qard Hasan in Pakistan16 July 2019Introduction25 January 2019The Failure of Financial-Economic Policies to Reduce Global Poverty25 January 2019Towards a Model of Integrated Community-Managed Development25 January 2019Microfinancial Sector Assessment and Development25 January 2019Microfinance: It's Globalization Story2 March 2019Scientific Interventions to Improve Land and Water Productivity for Climate-Smart Agriculture in South Asia24 November 2019Sustainability, market conditions and outreach: the vicious misconception of the win-win proposition in the microfinance industryEconomic Research-Ekonomska Istraživanja, Vol.32, No.17 August 2019Is microfinance associated with changes in women's well-being and children's nutrition? A systematic review and meta-analysisBMJ Open, Vol.9, No.128 January 2019International Sociology, Vol.34, No.6Moving From Developmental Local Finance to Neoliberalised Microcredit in Post-war East Asia: Abandoning a Winning FormulaSSRN Electronic JournalMicrofinance Impact on Rural Household in IndiaSSRN Electronic JournalEscaping From the Poverty Trap With Social Innovation: A Social Microcredit Programme in HungarySSRN Electronic JournalPrecarious Debt: Microfinance Subjects and Intergenerational Dependency in CambodiaAntipode, Vol.51, No.125 July 2018The impact of financial and social performance of microfinance institutions on lending interest rate: A cross-country evidenceCogent Business & Management, Vol.6, No.113 February 2019Financing micro-entrepreneurs for poverty alleviation: a performance analysis of microfinance services offered by BRAC, ASA, and Proshika from BangladeshJournal of Global Entrepreneurship Research, Vol.8, No.118 September 2018Microfinancing, governance, and performance: a South Asian perspectiveJournal of Economics, Finance and Administrative Science, Vol.23, No.46Financial Literacy Education and Responsibilities in Developing Countries Using a Computer ApplicationSociocultural Practices that Make Microfinance WorkProceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction, Vol.2, No.CSCW1 November 2018Microfinance institutions fostering sustainable developmentSustainable Development, Vol.26, No.622 March 2018A Computer Application to Teach Financial LiteracySustainability and depth of outreach: Evidence from microfinance institutions in sub‐Saharan AfricaDevelopment Policy Review, Vol.36, No.S214 May 2018The impact of microfinance on poverty reduction in Egypt: an empirical studyEnterprise Development and Microfinance, Vol.29, No.2What affects portfolio yield of microfinance institutions? Evidence from BangladeshAfrican Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development, Vol.10, No.319 May 2018Board committees and performance in microfinance institutionsInternational Journal of Emerging Markets, Vol.13, No.2An Alternative Finance Approach for a More Sustainable Financial System23 January 2018Ensuring Sanity in Ghana's Financial Sector: A Focus on Ghana's Microfinance Institutions4 January 2018Financing Rural Development Programmes15 November 2017Review of Social Economy, Vol.76, No.3Oxford Development Studies, Vol.46, No.3Microfinance Services Nexus Urban Youth Empowerment: The Case of South West Oromia Region EthiopiaSSRN Electronic JournalBig Banking Principles and Financial Performance - Outreach Relationship: An Application to the Microfinance SectorSSRN Electronic JournalMultiple Borrowing, Over-Indebtedness, and the Microcredit Addiction Syndrome: Evidence from Some African CountriesSSRN Electronic JournalAn Assessment of Credit Risk Management Practices of Adansi Rural Bank LimitedSSRN Electronic JournalPlastic flow localization and strain hardening of metalsDeformation and Fracture of Materials, No.71 January 2018Microfinance Institutions Influenced by National CultureHuman Resource Management in Indian Microfinance InstitutionsAn Introspective Study on the Governance Practices of Major Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) in IndiaCombination of Microcredit and Micro-Training with Mediating Role of Formal Education: A Micro-Enterprise Success FormulaJournal of Business and Social Review in Emerging Economies, Vol.3, No.231 December 2017The role of moral transaction mode for sustainability of banking businessInternational Journal of Social Economics, Vol.44, No.12Applicability and effectiveness of classifications models for achieving the twin objectives of growth and outreach of microfinance institutionsComputational and Mathematical Organization Theory, Vol.23, No.422 November 2016Islamic microfinance and household welfare nexus: empirical investigation from PakistanJournal of Global Entrepreneurship Research, Vol.7, No.131 August 2017References5 October 2017Microfinance Intervention in Poverty Reduction: A Study of Women Farmer-Entrepreneurs in Rural GhanaJournal of African Business, Vol.18, No.418 July 2017Do bank credit rejection and financial education affect financial self-confidence?International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, Vol.23, No.6Capability building combined with microcredit: the loan alone is insufficientJournal of Social Entrepreneurship, Vol.8, No.38 September 2017Impact assessment of group-based credit–lending projects with controlled project placement bias and self-selection biasDECISION, Vol.44, No.35 April 2017What Works Best for the Poor in Rural IndiaSouth Asia Economic Journal, Vol.18, No.27 December 2017Trade-off between outreach and sustainability of microfinance institutions: evidence from sub-Saharan AfricaEnterprise Development and Microfinance, Vol.28, No.3Struggling with social capital: Pakistani women micro entrepreneurs' challenges in acquiring resourcesEntrepreneurship & Regional Development, Vol.29, No.7-820 July 2017Does access to finance alleviate poverty? A case study of SGSY beneficiaries in Kashmir ValleyInternational Journal of Social Economics, Vol.44, No.8Influence of microfinance services on entrepreneurial success of women in Sri LankaAfrican Journal of Business Management, Vol.11, No.1428 July 2017Loan repayment performance of clients of informal lending institutions: do borrowing histories and dynamic incentives matter?International Journal of Development Issues, Vol.1711 July 2017Interaction and higher order effects of factors affecting the performance of microfinancing institutionsInternational Journal of Social Economics, Vol.44, No.7Does Institutional Linkage of Bank‐ MFI Foster Inclusive Financial Development Even in the Presence of MFI Frauds?Scottish Journal of Political Economy, Vol.64, No.319 January 2017Food security in rural Uganda: assessing latent effects of microfinance on pre-participationDevelopment in Practice, Vol.27, No.326 April 2017Micro Financing: Accountability and Financial Management Practices of Micro EntrepreneursIndian Journal of Science and Technology, Vol.10, No.15References5 April 2017Learning From Poverty: Why Business Schools Should Address Poverty, and How They Can Go About itAcademy of Management Learning & Education, Vol.16, No.1Entrepreneurial finance: new frontiers of research and practiceVenture Capital, Vol.19, No.1-227 December 2016Gender and Microcredit25 July 2017Microfinance Intervention4 November 2016MicroFinancial Services and Risk Management for Food Security: A Vulnerable Household Perspective30 November 2016The End of Imagination? Understanding New Developments in Microfinance27 September 2017Microfinance for Women-Owned Small Business in India: Challenges and Opportunities7 March 2018Dynamics of Access to Rural Credit in India: Patterns, Determinants and Implications27 October 2017Doing business with the poor: the rules and impact of the microfinance institutionsEconomic Research-Ekonomska Istraživanja, Vol.30, No.110 May 2017Dynamic Incentives and Microfinance BorrowersJournal of Land and Rural Studies, Vol.5, No.11 January 2017The process of women empowerment in microfinance: Definitions, implications and downsidesCorporate Ownership and Control, Vol.14, No.217 March 2017Conditional Cash Transfers and Financial Access: Increasing the Bang for Each Transferred Buck?Development Policy Review, Vol.35, No.117 November 2016Doing Well by Returning to the Origin. Mission Drift, Outreach and Financial Performance of Microfinance InstitutionsVOLUNTAS: International Journal of Voluntary and Nonprofit Organizations, Vol.27, No.611 April 2016The Entrepreneurial Woman in Development Programs: Thinking Through Class DifferencesSocial Politics: International Studies in Gender, State & Society, Vol.23, No.31 June 2015Microfinance and Poverty Alleviation: A Conceptual Framework with Special Emphasis on J&K RegionAsia-Pacific Journal of Management Research and Innovation, Vol.12, No.3-49 October 2017Governance of microfinance institutions (MFIs) in Cameroon: what lessons can we learn?Enterprise Development and Microfinance, Vol.27, No.3Repayment behavior in peer‐to‐peer microfinancing: Empirical evidence from KivaReview of Financial Economics, Vol.30, No.16 June 2016The political economy of financial inclusion: tailoring donor policy to fitDevelopment Policy Review, Vol.34, No.51 August 2016Comparative projects and the limits of choice: ethnography and microfinance in India and ParaguayJournal of Cultural Economy, Vol.9, No.416 June 2016International Housing Policy for the Urban Poor and the Informal City in the Global South: A Non‐diachronic ReviewJournal of International Development, Vol.28, No.518 February 2016?Big Man? politics in the social economy: a case study of microfinance in Kingston, JamaicaReview of Social Economy, Vol.74, No.222 January 2016ARE FINANCIAL AND SOCIAL EFFICIENCY MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE? A CASE STUDY OF VIETNAMESE MICROFINANCE INSTITUTIONSAnnals of Public and Cooperative Economics, Vol.87, No.11 May 2015Financial Access and Household Welfare: Evidence from Mauritania29 February 2016Political Economy, Subjectivity and Agency: A Materialistic Governmentality Study of Microfinances2 July 2016Confronting Financialisation30 November 2016Microfinance and Financial Inclusion in India30 September 2016An Enquiry into the Contributions of Microfinance Institutions Towards the Development of Small Scale Business in NigeriaSSRN Electronic JournalThe Contribution of Microcredit Advanced to Women on Poverty Reduction in Rural Area of RwandaSSRN Electronic JournalFinancing structure and outreach of selected SADC microfinance institutions (MFIS)Corporate Ownership and Control, Vol.13, No.31 January 2016Protocol for a Systematic Review: Saving Promotion Interventions for Improving Saving Behaviour and Reducing Poverty in Low‐ and Middle‐Income Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta‐AnalysisCampbell Systematic Reviews, Vol.12, No.11 July 2016Trade-off between financial sustainability and outreach of microfinance institutionsEurasian Economic Review, Vol.5, No.210 April 2015A Descriptive Analysis on the Factors of Alleviating Poverty among Women EntrepreneursInternational Journal of Trade, Economics and Finance, Vol.6, No.61 December 2015New global visions of microfinance: The construction of markets from indicatorsDoes microfinance reduce poverty in Lao PDR?International Journal of Development Issues, Vol.14, No.3Government-owned micro-bank and financial exclusion: a case study of small business people in east Port of Spain, Trinidad and TobagoCanadian Journal of Latin American and Caribbean Studies / Revue canadienne des études latino-américaines et caraïbes, Vol.40, No.313 October 2015Commitments of Debt: Temporality and the Meanings of Aid Work in a Japanese NGO in MyanmarAmerican Anthropologist, Vol.117, No.320 July 2015The Effects of Human Rights on the Success of Microcredit Lending InstitutionsJournal of Human Rights, Vol.14, No.315 December 2014The Impact of Microfinance on Poverty Reduction: Empirical Evidence from Malaysian PerspectiveProcedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, Vol.195Impact of Microfinance on Poor Women: Lessons from Sabarkantha, GujaratIIM Kozhikode Society & Management Review, Vol.4, No.210 December 2015Empowering Microfinance Processes through Hybrid Cloud Based ServicesInternational Journal of Systems and Service-Oriented Engineering, Vol.5, No.3Microfinance Institutions in Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda: Loan Outreach to the Poor and the Quest for Financial ViabilityAfrican Development Review, Vol.27, No.212 June 2015Team microfranchising as a response to the entrepreneurial capacity problem in low-income marketsSocial Enterprise Journal, Vol.11, No.1Application of an Alternate Framework for Assessing Microfinance Programs' Contribution to Development: An Empirical Study in T amil N adu, I ndiaStrategic Change, Vol.24, No.321 May 2015(Mis)use of evidence in microfinance programming in the global south: a critiqueContemporary Social Science, Vol.10, No.211 August 2015Effects of microfinance services on the performance of small and medium enterprises in KenyaAfrican Journal of Business Management, Vol.9, No.514 March 2015Entrepreneurship, poverty, and Asia: Moving beyond subsistence entrepreneurshipAsia Pacific Journal of Management, Vol.32, No.131 December 2014Compatibilidad o conflicto entre objetivos sociales y financieros de las microfinanzas: debates teóricos y evidencia empíricaInnovar, Vol.25, No.1Spe1 February 2015Microfinance21 January 2015A comparative analysis of the effect of aid and microfinance on growthCanadian Journal of Development Studies / Revue canadienne d'?tudes du d?veloppement, Vol.36, No.123 January 2015Microfinance and Household Poverty Reduction: Empirical Evidence from Rural PakistanOxford Development Studies, Vol.43, No.114 November 2014Money Resolutions, a SketchbookSSRN Electronic JournalLe traiettorie evolutive delle politiche abitative per i poveri e la cittt informale nel sud del mondo: una rassegna non-diacronica (Evolutionary Trajectories of International Housing Policies for the Informal City and the Urban Poor: A Non-Diachronic Review)SSRN Electronic JournalMicrofinance and Financial Inclusion in IndiaSSRN Electronic JournalMicrofinance and Moneylenders: Long-Run Effects of MFIs on Informal Credit Market in BangladeshSSRN Electronic JournalMicrofinance Subsidy: What We Have Learnt so Far?SSRN Electronic JournalMobile Financial Services at the Base of the PyramidMobility Technology Solutions Can Reduce Interest Rates of Microfinance Loans28 D
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Participation: the New Tyranny?

2001-01-01
Bill Cooke , Uma Kothari
* 1. The Case for Participation as Tyranny - Bill Cooke and Uma Kothari * 2. 'People's Knowledge', Participation and Patronage: Operations and Representations in Rural Development - David Mosse … * 1. The Case for Participation as Tyranny - Bill Cooke and Uma Kothari * 2. 'People's Knowledge', Participation and Patronage: Operations and Representations in Rural Development - David Mosse * 3. Institutions, Agency and the Limitations of Participatory Approaches to Development - Frances Cleaver * 4. Pluralism, Participation and Power: Joint Forest Management in India - Nicholas Hildyard, Pandurang Hegde, Paul Wolvekamp, Somasekhare Reddy * 5. Participatory Development at the World Bank: The Primacy of Process - Paul Francis * 6. Beyond the Formulaic: Process and Practice in South Asian NGOs - John Hailey * 7. The Social-Psychological Limits of Participation? - Bill Cooke * 8. Insights into Participation from Critical Management and Labour Process Perspectives - Harry Taylor * 9. Participatory Development: Power, Knowledge and Social Control - Uma Kothari * 10. Beyond Participation: Strategies for Deeper Empowerment - Giles Mohan * 11. Participation as Spiritual Duty: Empowerment as Secular Subjection - Heiko Henkel and Roderick Stirrat * Bibliography

Discrimination in the Small-Business Credit Market

2003-11-01
David G. Blanchflower , Phillip B. Levine , David J. Zimmerman
We use data from the 1993 and 1998 National Surveys of Small Business Finances to examine the existence of racial discrimination in the small-business credit market. We conduct an econometric … We use data from the 1993 and 1998 National Surveys of Small Business Finances to examine the existence of racial discrimination in the small-business credit market. We conduct an econometric analysis of loan outcomes by race and find that black-owned small businesses are about twice as likely to be denied credit even after controlling for differences in creditworthiness and other factors. A series of specification checks indicates that this gap is unlikely to be explained by omitted variable bias. These results indicate that the racial disparity in credit availability is likely caused by discrimination.
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The Global Findex Database 2014: Measuring Financial Inclusion around the World

2015-04-15
Aslι Demirgüç-Kunt , Leora Klapper , Dorothe Singer +1 more
Ownership of accounts 11How does account ownership vary around the world?How has account ownership changed over time?How does account ownership vary by individual characteristics? How and how often financial institution … Ownership of accounts 11How does account ownership vary around the world?How has account ownership changed over time?How does account ownership vary by individual characteristics? How and how often financial institution accounts are accessed 17How often do account holders make deposits or withdrawals?How do account holders in developing economies make withdrawals?How many people own and use debit cards?How many people own and use credit cards?How many people access financial institution accounts through a mobile phone?How do people make direct electronic payments from financial institution accounts? Payments 28Payments from businesses or government to people 29 How do people receive wage payments?How do people receive government transfers?How do people receive payments for agricultural products? Payments from people to businesses or government 33How do people pay utility bills?How do people pay school fees? Payments between people-domestic remittances 34How do people send and receive domestic remittances?What is the most common digital payment channel for remittances?Account holders' use of digital payments 37 vI
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Financial performance and Outreach: A Global Analysis of Leading Microbanks

2007-02-01
Robert Cull , Asli Demirgu ̈ç‐Kunt , Jonathan Morduch
Microfinance contracts have proven able to secure high rates of loan repayment in the face of limited liability and information asymmetries, but high repayment rates have not translated easily into … Microfinance contracts have proven able to secure high rates of loan repayment in the face of limited liability and information asymmetries, but high repayment rates have not translated easily into profits for most microbanks. Profitability, though, is at the heart of the promise that microfinance can deliver poverty reduction while not relying on ongoing subsidy. The authors examine why this promise remains unmet for most institutions. Using a data set with unusually high quality financial information on 124 institutions in 49 countries, they explore the patterns of profitability, loan repayment, and cost reduction. The authors find that institutional design and orientation matter substantially. Lenders that do not use group-based methods to overcome incentive problems experience weaker portfolio quality and lower profit rates when interest rates are raised substantially. For these individual-based lenders, one key to achieving profitability is investing more heavily in staff costs-a finding consistent with the economics of information but contrary to the conventional wisdom that profitability is largely a function of minimizing cost.
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Group lending, repayment incentives and social collateral

1995-02-01
Timothy Besley , Stephen Coate
In this paper, we investigate the impact on repayment rates of lending to groups which are made jointly liable for repayment. This type of scheme, especially in the guise of … In this paper, we investigate the impact on repayment rates of lending to groups which are made jointly liable for repayment. This type of scheme, especially in the guise of the Grameen Bank in Bangladesh, has received increasing attention. We set up and analyze the ‘repayment game’ which group lending gives rise to. Our analysis suggests that such schemes have both positive and negative effects on repayment rates. The positive effect is that successful group members may have an incentive to repay the loans of group members whose projects have yielded insufficient return to make repayment worthwhile. The negative effect arises when the whole group defaults, even when some members would have repaid under individual lending. We also show how group lending may harness social collateral, which serves to mitigate its negative effect.

World Development Report 2012: Gender equality and development

2012-09-24
Yen Nee Wong
World Development Report 2012: Gender equality and development Washington, DC: The World Bank 2011, 426 pp., ISBN: 978-0821388259 Since the 1970s, Gender in development has emerged as an issue of … World Development Report 2012: Gender equality and development Washington, DC: The World Bank 2011, 426 pp., ISBN: 978-0821388259 Since the 1970s, Gender in development has emerged as an issue of c...

Rural credit programs and women's empowerment in Bangladesh

1996-04-01
Syed Hashemi , Sidney Ruth Schuler , Ann P. Riley

Building Sustainable Hybrid Organizations: The Case of Commercial Microfinance Organizations

2010-12-01
Julie Battilana , Silvia Dorado
We explore how new types of hybrid organizations (organizations that combine institutional logics in unprecedented ways) can develop and maintain their hybrid nature in the absence of a "ready-to-wear" model … We explore how new types of hybrid organizations (organizations that combine institutional logics in unprecedented ways) can develop and maintain their hybrid nature in the absence of a "ready-to-wear" model for handling the tensions between the logics they combine. The results of our comparative study of two pioneering commercial microfinance organizations suggest that to be sustainable, new types of hybrid organizations need to create a common organizational identity that strikes a balance between the logics they combine. Our evidence further suggests that the crucial early levers for developing such an organizational identity among organization members are hiring and socialization policies.

Risk Sharing and Transactions Costs: Evidence from Kenya's Mobile Money Revolution

2013-12-26
William Jack , Tavneet Suri
We explore the impact of reduced transaction costs on risk sharing by estimating the effects of a mobile money innovation on consumption. In our panel sample, adoption of the innovation … We explore the impact of reduced transaction costs on risk sharing by estimating the effects of a mobile money innovation on consumption. In our panel sample, adoption of the innovation increased from 43 to 70 percent. We find that, while shocks reduce consumption by 7 percent for nonusers, the consumption of user households is unaffected. The mechanisms underlying these consumption effects are increases in remittances received and the diversity of senders. We report robustness checks supporting these results and use the four-fold expansion of the mobile money agent network as a source of exogenous variation in access to the innovation. (JEL E42, G22, O16, O17, Z13)
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Gender equality and women's empowerment: A critical analysis of the third millennium development goal 1

2005-03-01
Naila Kabeer
Abstract This article discusses the third Millennium Development Goal (MDG), on gender equality and women's empowerment. It explores the concept of women's empowerment and highlights ways in which the indicators … Abstract This article discusses the third Millennium Development Goal (MDG), on gender equality and women's empowerment. It explores the concept of women's empowerment and highlights ways in which the indicators associated with this Goal – on education, employment, and political participation – can contribute to it.

Micro-credit initiatives for equitable and sustainable development: Who pays?

1999-01-01
Aminur Rahman

Building Inclusive Markets in Rural Bangladesh: How Intermediaries Work Institutional Voids

2012-07-26
Johanna Mair , Ignasi Martí , Marc J. Ventresca
Much effort goes into building markets as a tool for economic and social development; those pursuing or promoting market building, however, often overlook that in too many places social exclusion … Much effort goes into building markets as a tool for economic and social development; those pursuing or promoting market building, however, often overlook that in too many places social exclusion and poverty prevent many, especially women, from participating in and accessing markets. Building on data from rural Bangladesh and analyzing the work of a prominent intermediary organization, we uncover institutional voids as the source of market exclusion and identify two sets of activities—redefining market architecture and legitimating new actors—as critical for building inclusive markets. We expose voids as analytical spaces and illustrate how they result from conflict and contradiction among institutional bits and pieces from local political, community, and religious spheres. Our findings put forward a perspective on market building that highlights the on-the-ground dynamics and attends to the institutions at play, to their consequences, and to a more diverse set of inhabitants of institutions.
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The Microfinance Promise

1999-12-01
Jonathan Morduch
In the past decade, microfinance programs have demonstrated that it is possible to lend to low-income households while maintaining high repayment rates—even without requiring collateral. The programs promise a revolution … In the past decade, microfinance programs have demonstrated that it is possible to lend to low-income households while maintaining high repayment rates—even without requiring collateral. The programs promise a revolution in approaches to alleviating poverty and spreading financial services, and millions of poor households are served globally. A growing body of economic theory demonstrates how new contractual forms offer a key to microfinance success—particularly the use of group-lending contracts with joint liability. For the most part, however, high repayment rates have not translated into profits, and studies of impacts on poverty yield a mixed picture. In describing emerging tensions, the paper highlights the diversity of innovative mechanisms beyond group-lending contracts, the measurement of financial sustainability, the estimation of economic and social impacts, the costs and benefits of subsidization, and the potential to reduce poverty through savings programs rather than just credit. The promise of microfinance has pushed far ahead of the evidence, and an agenda is put forward for addressing critical empirical gaps and sharpening the terms of policy discussion.

Reaching out: Access to and use of banking services across countries

2007-03-28
Thorsten Beck , Aslι Demirgüç-Kunt , María Soledad Martínez Pería
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Six Randomized Evaluations of Microcredit: Introduction and Further Steps

2015-01-01
Abhijit Banerjee , Dean Karlan , Jonathan Zinman
Causal evidence on microcredit impacts informs theory, practice, and debates about its effectiveness as a development tool. The six randomized evaluations in this volume use a variety of sampling, data … Causal evidence on microcredit impacts informs theory, practice, and debates about its effectiveness as a development tool. The six randomized evaluations in this volume use a variety of sampling, data collection, experimental design, and econometric strategies to identify causal effects of expanded access to microcredit on borrowers and/or communities. These methods are deployed across an impressive range of locations—six countries on four continents, urban and rural areas—borrower characteristics, loan characteristics, and lender characteristics. Summarizing and interpreting results across studies, we note a consistent pattern of modestly positive, but not transformative, effects. We also discuss directions for future research. (JEL D14, G21, I38, O15, O16, P34, P36)
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Peer Monitoring and Credit Markets

1990-01-01
Joseph E. Stiglitz
A major problem for institutional lenders is ensuring that borrowers exercise prudence in the use of the funds so that the likelihood of repayment is enhanced. One partial solution is … A major problem for institutional lenders is ensuring that borrowers exercise prudence in the use of the funds so that the likelihood of repayment is enhanced. One partial solution is peer monitoring: having neighbors who are in a good position to monitor the borrower be required to pay a penalty if the borrower goes bankrupt. Peer monitoring is largely responsible for the successful financial performance of the Grameen Bank of Bangladesh and of similar group lending programs elsewhere. But peer monitoring has a cost. It transfers risk from the bank, which is in a better position to bear risk, to the cosigner. In a simple model of peer monitoring in a competitive credit market, this article demonstrates that the transfer of risk leads to an improvement in borrowers' welfare.
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Participatory development and empowerment: The dangers of localism

2000-04-01
Giles Mohan , Kristian Stokke
Recent discussions in development have moved away from holistic theorisation towards more localised, empirical and inductive approaches. In development practice there has been a parallel move towards local ‘participation’ and … Recent discussions in development have moved away from holistic theorisation towards more localised, empirical and inductive approaches. In development practice there has been a parallel move towards local ‘participation’ and ‘empowerment’, which has produced, albeit with very different agendas, a high level of agreement between actors and institutions of the ‘new’ Left and the ‘new’ Right. This paper examines the manifestations of this move in four key political arenas: decentralised service delivery, participatory development, social capital formation and local development, and collective actions for ‘radical democracy’. We argue that, by focusing so heavily on ‘the local’, the see manifestations tend to underplay both local inequalities and power relations as well as national and transnational economic and political forces. Following from this, we advocate a stronger emphasis on the politics of the local, ie on the political use of ‘the local’ by hegemonic and counter-hegemonic interests.

Expanding Credit Access: Using Randomized Supply Decisions to Estimate the Impacts

2009-11-28
Dean Karlan , Jonathan Zinman
Journal Article Expanding Credit Access: Using Randomized Supply Decisions to Estimate the Impacts Get access Dean Karlan, Dean Karlan Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google … Journal Article Expanding Credit Access: Using Randomized Supply Decisions to Estimate the Impacts Get access Dean Karlan, Dean Karlan Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar Jonathan Zinman Jonathan Zinman Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar The Review of Financial Studies, Volume 23, Issue 1, January 2010, Pages 433–464, https://doi.org/10.1093/rfs/hhp092 Published: 28 November 2009
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Conflicts Over Credit: Re-Evaluating the Empowerment Potential of Loans to Women in Rural Bangladesh

2001-01-01
Naila Kabeer

The economics of microfinance

2006-02-01
Beatriz Armendariz , Jonathan Morduch
The microfinance revolution, begun with independent initiatives in Latin America and South Asia starting in the 1970s, has so far allowed 65 million poor people around the world to receive … The microfinance revolution, begun with independent initiatives in Latin America and South Asia starting in the 1970s, has so far allowed 65 million poor people around the world to receive small loans without collateral, build up assets, and buy insurance. This comprehensive survey of microfinance seeks to bridge the gap in the existing literature on microfinance between academic economists and practitioners. Both authors have pursued the subject not only in academia but in the field; Beatriz Armendariz founded a microfinance bank in Chiapas, Mexico, and Jonathan Morduch has done fieldwork in Bangladesh, China, and Indonesia. The authors move beyond the usual theoretical focus in the microfinance literature and draw on new developments in theories of contracts and incentives. They challenge conventional assumptions about how poor households save and build assets and how institutions can overcome market failures. The book provides an overview of microfinance by addressing a range of issues, including lessons from informal markets, savings and insurance, the role of women, the place of subsidies, impact measurement, and management incentives. It integrates theory with empirical data, citing studies from Asia, Africa, and Latin America and introducing ideas about asymmetric information, principal-agent theory, and household decision making in the context of microfinance. The Economics of Microfinance can be used by students in economics, public policy, and development studies. Mathematical notation is used to clarify some arguments, but the main points can be grasped without the math. Each chapter ends with analytically challenging exercises for advanced economics students.

Group lending, local information and peer selection

1999-10-01
Maitreesh Ghatak

The economics of lending with joint liability: theory and practice

1999-10-01
Maitreesh Ghatak , Timothy W. Guinnane
Institutions that rely on joint liability to facilitate lending to the poor have a long history and are now a common feature of many developing countries. Economists have proposed several … Institutions that rely on joint liability to facilitate lending to the poor have a long history and are now a common feature of many developing countries. Economists have proposed several theories of joint-liability lending that stress various aspects of its informational and enforcement advantages over other forms of lending. This paper analyzes how joint-liability lending promotes screening, monitoring, state verification and enforcement of repayment. An empirical section draws on case studies to highlight how joint liability works in practice.

The impact of Group‐Based Credit Programs on Poor Households in Bangladesh: Does the Gender of Participants Matter?

1998-10-01
Mark M. Pitt , Shahidur R. Khandker
This paper estimates the impact of participation, by gender, in the Grameen Bank and two other group‐based micro credit programs in Bangladesh on labor supply, schooling, household expenditure, and assets. … This paper estimates the impact of participation, by gender, in the Grameen Bank and two other group‐based micro credit programs in Bangladesh on labor supply, schooling, household expenditure, and assets. The empirical method uses a quasi‐experimental survey design to correct for the bias from unobserved individual and village‐level heterogencity. We find that program credit has a larger effect on the behavior of poor households in Bangladesh when women are the program participants. For Example, annual household consumption expenditure increases 18 taka for every 100 additional taka borrowed by women from these credit programs, compared with 11 taka for men.

Financial Inclusion and Development

2010-05-07
Mandira Sarma , Jesim Pais
An important question raised in the literature is whether development leads to an all-inclusive financial system. This paper attempts to examine the relationship between financial inclusion and development by empirically … An important question raised in the literature is whether development leads to an all-inclusive financial system. This paper attempts to examine the relationship between financial inclusion and development by empirically identifying country specific factors that are associated with the level of financial inclusion. It finds that levels of human development and financial inclusion in a country move closely with each other. Among socio-economic and infrastructure related factors, income, inequality, literacy, urbanisation and physical infrastructure for connectivity and information are important. Health of the banking sector does not seem to have an unambiguous effect on financial inclusion whereas ownership pattern does seem to matter. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Capitals and Capabilities: A Framework for Analyzing Peasant Viability, Rural Livelihoods and Poverty

1999-12-01
Anthony Bebbington
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Linking Smallholders to Markets: Determinants and Impacts of Farmer Collective Action in Kenya

2011-12-30
Elisabeth Fischer , Matin Qaim
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Finance against poverty

1997-10-01

The Economics of Microfinance

2009-03-20
Ricardo Huamán
"La reseña no presenta resumen" "La reseña no presenta resumen"
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The long-run poverty and gender impacts of mobile money

2016-12-08
Tavneet Suri , William Jack
Mobile money, a service that allows monetary value to be stored on a mobile phone and sent to other users via text messages, has been adopted by the vast majority … Mobile money, a service that allows monetary value to be stored on a mobile phone and sent to other users via text messages, has been adopted by the vast majority of Kenyan households. We estimate that access to the Kenyan mobile money system M-PESA increased per capita consumption levels and lifted 194,000 households, or 2% of Kenyan households, out of poverty. The impacts, which are more pronounced for female-headed households, appear to be driven by changes in financial behavior-in particular, increased financial resilience and saving-and labor market outcomes, such as occupational choice, especially for women, who moved out of agriculture and into business. Mobile money has therefore increased the efficiency of the allocation of consumption over time while allowing a more efficient allocation of labor, resulting in a meaningful reduction of poverty in Kenya.

Impact of digital finance on financial inclusion and stability

2018-03-18
Peterson K Ozili
This article provides a discussion on some issues associated with digital finance – an area which has not been critically addressed in the literature. Digital finance and financial inclusion has … This article provides a discussion on some issues associated with digital finance – an area which has not been critically addressed in the literature. Digital finance and financial inclusion has several benefits to financial services users, digital finance providers, governments and the economy; notwithstanding, a number of issues still persist which if addressed can make digital finance work better for individuals, businesses and governments. The digital finance issues discussed in this article are relevant for the on-going debate and country-level projects directed at greater financial inclusion via digital finance in developing and emerging economies.
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Mobilization without Emancipation? Women's Interests, the State, and Revolution in Nicaragua

1985-01-01
Maxine Molyneux

The Global Findex Database 2017: Measuring Financial Inclusion and the Fintech Revolution

2018-03-26
Aslι Demirgüç-Kunt , Leora Klapper , Dorothe Singer +2 more
The Global Findex Database 2017 presents key findings from the Global Findex database, with detailed insight into how adults in more than 140 economies access accounts, make payments, save, borrow, … The Global Findex Database 2017 presents key findings from the Global Findex database, with detailed insight into how adults in more than 140 economies access accounts, make payments, save, borrow, and manage risk. As the data show, each economy has its own successes, challenges, and opportunities when it comes to financial inclusion. A growing body of research demonstrates the impact of country advances on significant priorities such as reducing poverty, hunger, and gender inequality.
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The Miracle of Microfinance? Evidence from a Randomized Evaluation

2015-01-01
Abhijit Banerjee , Esther Duflo , Rachel Glennerster +1 more
This paper reports results from the randomized evaluation of a group-lending microcredit program in Hyderabad, India. A lender worked in 52 randomly selected neighborhoods, leading to an 8.4 percentage point … This paper reports results from the randomized evaluation of a group-lending microcredit program in Hyderabad, India. A lender worked in 52 randomly selected neighborhoods, leading to an 8.4 percentage point increase in takeup of microcredit. Small business investment and profits of preexisting businesses increased, but consumption did not significantly increase. Durable goods expenditure increased, while “temptation goods” expenditure declined. We found no significant changes in health, education, or women's empowerment. Two years later, after control areas had gained access to microcredit but households in treatment area had borrowed for longer and in larger amounts, very few significant differences persist. (JEL G21, G31, O16, O12, L25, I38)
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Do Rural Banks Matter? Evidence from the Indian Social Banking Experiment

2005-06-01
Robin Burgess , Rohini Pande
Lack of access to finance is often cited as a key reason why poor people remain poor. This paper uses data on the Indian rural branch expansion program to provide … Lack of access to finance is often cited as a key reason why poor people remain poor. This paper uses data on the Indian rural branch expansion program to provide empirial evidence on this issue. Between 1977 and 1990, the Indian Central Bank mandated that a commercial bank can open a branch in a location with one or more bank branches only if it opens four in locations with no bank branches. We show that between 1977 and 1990 this rule caused banks to open relatively more rural branches in Indian states with lower initial financial development. The reverse is true outside this period. We exploit this fact to identify the impact of opening a rural bank on poverty and output. Our estimates suggest that the Indian rural branch expansion program significantly lowered rural poverty, and increased non-agricultural output.
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Finance for all?: Policies and pitfalls in expanding access

2008-01-01
Aslι Demirgüç-Kunt , Thorsten Beck , Patrick Honohan
This book, finance for all, presents first efforts at developing indicators illustrating that financial access is quite limited around the world and identifies barriers that may be preventing small firms … This book, finance for all, presents first efforts at developing indicators illustrating that financial access is quite limited around the world and identifies barriers that may be preventing small firms and poor households from using financial services. Based on this research, the report derives principles for effective government policy on broadening access. The report's conclusions confirm some traditional views and challenge others. For example, recent research provides additional evidence to support the widely-held belief that financial development promotes growth and illustrates the role of access in this process. Improved access to finance creates an environment conducive to new firm entry, innovation, and growth. However, research also shows that small firms benefit the most from financial development and greater access-both in terms of entry and seeing their growth constraints relaxed. Hence, inclusive financial systems also have consequences for the composition and competition in the enterprise sector. This report reviews and synthesizes a large body of research, and provides the basis for sound policy advice in the area of financial access. The findings in this report also underline the importance of investing in data collection: continued work on measuring and evaluating the impact of access requires detailed micro data both at the household and enterprise level.

The Diffusion of Microfinance

2013-07-25
Abhijit Banerjee , Arun G. Chandrasekhar , Esther Duflo +1 more
To study the impact of the choice of injection points in the diffusion of a new product in a society, we developed a model of word-of-mouth diffusion and then applied … To study the impact of the choice of injection points in the diffusion of a new product in a society, we developed a model of word-of-mouth diffusion and then applied it to data on social networks and participation in a newly available microfinance loan program in 43 Indian villages. Our model allows us to distinguish information passing among neighbors from direct influence of neighbors' participation decisions, as well as information passing by participants versus nonparticipants. The model estimates suggest that participants are seven times as likely to pass information compared to informed nonparticipants, but information passed by nonparticipants still accounts for roughly one-third of eventual participation. An informed household is not more likely to participate if its informed friends participate. We then propose two new measures of how effective a given household would be as an injection point. We show that the centrality of the injection points according to these measures constitutes a strong and significant predictor of eventual village-level participation.
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Microfinance and Poverty: Evidence Using Panel Data from Bangladesh

2005-08-31
Shahidur R. Khandker
Microfinance supports mainly informal activities that often have a low return and low market demand. It may therefore be hypothesized that the aggregate poverty impact of microfinance is modest or … Microfinance supports mainly informal activities that often have a low return and low market demand. It may therefore be hypothesized that the aggregate poverty impact of microfinance is modest or even nonexistent. If true, the poverty impact of microfinance observed at the participant level represents either income redistribution or short-run income generation from the microfinance intervention. This article examines the effects of microfinance on poverty reduction at both the participant and the aggregate levels using panel data from Bangladesh. The results suggest that access to microfinance contributes to poverty reduction, especially for female participants, and to overall poverty reduction at the village level. Microfinance thus helps not only poor participants but also the local economy.
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Savings Constraints and Microenterprise Development: Evidence from a Field Experiment in Kenya

2013-01-01
Pascaline Dupas , Jonathan Robinson
Does limited access to formal savings services impede business growth in poor countries? To shed light on this question, we randomized access to noninterest-bearing bank accounts among two types of … Does limited access to formal savings services impede business growth in poor countries? To shed light on this question, we randomized access to noninterest-bearing bank accounts among two types of self-employed individuals in rural Kenya: market vendors (who are mostly women) and men working as bicycle taxi drivers. Despite large withdrawal fees, a substantial share of market women used the accounts, were able to save more, and increased their productive investment and private expenditures. We see no impact for bicycle-taxi drivers. These results imply significant barriers to savings and investment for market women in our study context. (JEL D14, G21, J16, J23, O12, O14, O16)
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Teaching Entrepreneurship: Impact of Business Training on Microfinance Clients and Institutions

2010-08-06
Dean Karlan , Martín Valdivia
Most academic and development policy discussions about microentrepreneurs focus on credit constraints and assume that subject to those constraints, the entrepreneurs manage their business optimally. Yet the self-employed poor rarely … Most academic and development policy discussions about microentrepreneurs focus on credit constraints and assume that subject to those constraints, the entrepreneurs manage their business optimally. Yet the self-employed poor rarely have any formal training in business skills. A growing number of microfinance organizations are attempting to build the human capital of microentrepreneurs in order to improve the livelihood of their clients and help further their mission of poverty alleviation. Using a randomized control trial, we measure the marginal impact of adding business training to a Peruvian group lending program for female microentrepreneurs. Treatment groups received thirty- to sixty-minute entrepreneurship training sessions during their normal weekly or monthly banking meeting over a period of one to two years. Control groups remained as they were before, meeting at the same frequency but solely for making loan and savings payments. We find little or no evidence of changes in key outcomes such as business revenue, profits, or employment. We nevertheless observed business knowledge improvements and increased client retention rates for the microfinance institution.
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Returns to Capital in Microenterprises: Evidence from a Field Experiment<sup>*</sup>

2008-10-15
Suresh de Mel , David McKenzie , Christopher Woodruff
Journal Article Returns to Capital in Microenterprises: Evidence from a Field Experiment Get access Suresh de Mel, Suresh de Mel University of Peradeniya Search for other works by this author … Journal Article Returns to Capital in Microenterprises: Evidence from a Field Experiment Get access Suresh de Mel, Suresh de Mel University of Peradeniya Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar David McKenzie, David McKenzie World Bank Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar Christopher Woodruff Christopher Woodruff University of California, San Diego Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar The Quarterly Journal of Economics, Volume 123, Issue 4, November 2008, Pages 1329–1372, https://doi.org/10.1162/qjec.2008.123.4.1329 Published: 01 November 2008
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Cents and Sociability: Household Income and Social Capital in Rural Tanzania

1999-07-01
Deepa Narayan , Lant Pritchett
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The foundations of financial inclusion: Understanding ownership and use of formal accounts

2016-01-14
Franklin Allen , Aslι Demirgüç-Kunt , Leora Klapper +1 more
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Community-Based and -Driven Development: A Critical Review

2004-03-01
Ghazala Mansuri
Journal Article Community-Based and -Driven Development: A Critical Review Get access Ghazala Mansuri, Ghazala Mansuri Ghazala Mansuri is economist in the Development Economics Research Group at the World Bank Her … Journal Article Community-Based and -Driven Development: A Critical Review Get access Ghazala Mansuri, Ghazala Mansuri Ghazala Mansuri is economist in the Development Economics Research Group at the World Bank Her e-mail address is [email protected] Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar Vijayendra Rao Vijayendra Rao Vijayendra Rao is senior economist in the Development Research Group at the World Bank Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar The World Bank Research Observer, Volume 19, Issue 1, March 2004, Pages 1–39, https://doi.org/10.1093/wbro/lkh012 Published: 01 March 2004
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Risk-sharing networks in rural Philippines

2003-04-23
Marcel Fafchamps , Susan Lund
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Formal versus Informal Finance: Evidence from China

2010-05-06
Meghana Ayyagari , Aslι Demirgüç-Kunt , Vojislav Maksimovic
Journal Article Formal versus Informal Finance: Evidence from China Get access Meghana Ayyagari, Meghana Ayyagari School of Business, George Washington University Search for other works by this author on: Oxford … Journal Article Formal versus Informal Finance: Evidence from China Get access Meghana Ayyagari, Meghana Ayyagari School of Business, George Washington University Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar Asli Demirgüç-Kunt, Asli Demirgüç-Kunt World Bank Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar Vojislav Maksimovic Vojislav Maksimovic Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar The Review of Financial Studies, Volume 23, Issue 8, August 2010, Pages 3048–3097, https://doi.org/10.1093/rfs/hhq030 Published: 06 May 2010
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Who takes the credit? Gender, power, and control over loan use in rural credit programs in Bangladesh

1996-01-01
Anne Marie Goetz , Rina Sen Gupta

Poverty Capital

2010-04-23
Ananya Roy
Winner of the 2011 Paul Davidoff award! This is a book about poverty but it does not study the poor and the powerless; instead it studies those who manage poverty. … Winner of the 2011 Paul Davidoff award! This is a book about poverty but it does not study the poor and the powerless; instead it studies those who manage poverty. It sheds light on how powerful institutions control "capital," or circuits of profit and investment, as well as "truth," or authoritative knowledge about poverty. Such dominant practices are challenged by alternative paradigms of development, and the book details these as well. Using the case of microfinance, the book participates in a set of fierce debates about development&nbsp;– from the role of markets to the secrets of successful pro-poor institutions. Based on many years of research in Washington D.C., Bangladesh, and the Middle East, Poverty Capital also grows out of the author's undergraduate teaching to thousands of students on the subject of global poverty and inequality.

Sustainable finance and financial literacy in Cambodia and the Philippines

2025-06-26
| OECD business and finance policy papers

Financial Inclusion Through More Rural Banks? Evidence from Pakistan’s Bank Branch Licensing Policy

2025-06-26
| Asian Development Bank Institute eBooks

Is membership in microfinance initiatives associated with viral load suppression among HIV patients? Evidence from western Kenya

2025-06-25
Bishnu Bahadur Thapa , Becky L. Genberg , Juddy Wachira +2 more | BMC Global and Public Health
Social and economic factors have considerable influence on the lives of people living with HIV (PLHIV). These factors shape their health behaviors, willingness to engage with other members of their … Social and economic factors have considerable influence on the lives of people living with HIV (PLHIV). These factors shape their health behaviors, willingness to engage with other members of their communities for support, and ability to seek appropriate and timely treatment options. Evidence has shown that microfinance initiatives, by providing access to credit and social networks, have the potential to help PLHIV overcome some of these barriers. The objective of this study was to understand the association between microfinance membership and viral load suppression among HIV patients. We used data from the Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH)-Kenya's Group Integrated Savings for Health Empowerment (GISHE), a microfinance initiative (MFI), to study the association between GISHE participation and viral load suppression. Our longitudinal dataset consisted of a matched group of 3609 HIV patients. We examined the association between GISHE membership and viral load suppression by addressing the missing data problem with respect to the viral load count via multiple imputation. Our study revealed that GISHE membership was associated with increased viral load suppression (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.15; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.03-1.29). Further, the study found that male patients were less likely to be virally suppressed (AOR = 0.85; 95% CI, 0.74-0.97), as were the patients in the most advanced disease stage (AOR = 0.71; 95% CI, 0.52-0.95). The finding that GISHE participation was associated with a greater likelihood of viral load suppression held even after addressing the missing data problem. We conclude that GISHE-type programs hold promise as scalable interventions to combat HIV/AIDS in Kenya and other countries where the disease is a generalized epidemic.

The Impact of Microcredit on Household Welfare: Evidence from Bangladesh During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2025-06-24
Mohammad Raied Arman , Narayan Das , Sakib Mahmood +2 more | The Journal of Development Studies

How Does Digital Inclusive Finance Impact Consumption Structure of Urban–Rural Residents? Evidence From Household Survey Data in China

2025-06-24
Wenjie Yang , Xiaoyun Mo , Yuxuan Zeng +2 more | Review of Development Economics
ABSTRACT This study investigates the nonlinear relationship between digital inclusive finance (DIF) and the consumption structure of urban–rural residents in China, focusing on its underlying mechanisms. Using panel data from … ABSTRACT This study investigates the nonlinear relationship between digital inclusive finance (DIF) and the consumption structure of urban–rural residents in China, focusing on its underlying mechanisms. Using panel data from the China Household Finance Survey (CHFS) and the DIF index, we employ fixed effects, mediation effects, and moderation effects models. The results show that DIF has a U‐shaped relationship with subsistence consumption, a linear positive effect on developmental consumption, and nonlinear impacts on enjoyable consumption. Credit constraints alleviation is identified as a key mechanism through which DIF enhances developmental consumption. Additionally, the effects of DIF are more pronounced in underdeveloped regions and rural areas. These effects are also stronger among young and midlife households as well as low‐ to middle‐income groups, highlighting significant regional and demographic heterogeneity. These findings provide critical insights for policymakers aiming to leverage DIF to optimize consumption structures and promote financial inclusion, particularly in underserved populations.

Innovating Finance: Navigating Risks for Enhanced Banking Performance in India

2025-06-24
Kishore Kumar Das Samyukta Jena | Journal of Informatics Education and Research
Banks are the supporting pillars of any economy around the world as their advancement and progress, paves way to a thriving economy. With the broadening dimensions of innovations in the … Banks are the supporting pillars of any economy around the world as their advancement and progress, paves way to a thriving economy. With the broadening dimensions of innovations in the banking sector and new neo-banking models coming up, banks have had to be dynamic and resilient enough to face global competition to retain their customer-base, as well as manage the risks that come with it. In India, banks are incorporating many technological financial innovations to improve their efficiency and performance. Through this study, an effort has been made to explore how financial innovations impact banking performance and what effect risk management has on the relationship of financial innovation and bank performance. The study strives to explore if an improvement in risk management could enhance the mediating impact of financial innovation on bank performance significantly in a positive manner. Secondary data collected from public sector banks in India over 10 years from 2012-13 to 2021-22 has been utilized to attain the study objective. It becomes apparent from the results that, with the restriction on the physical availability of ATMs and POS, mobile banking is taking on a more active role in the future.

The Impact of Social Performance on Microfinance Sustainability in Formal Microfinance Institutions

2025-06-24
Nguyễn Thị Thủy , Van Duong Ha | Journal of Posthumanism
Microfinance has an important role to play in fostering the socioeconomic sustainable development in many countries, and social performance and sustainability are the goals of formal microfinance institutions (MFIs). This … Microfinance has an important role to play in fostering the socioeconomic sustainable development in many countries, and social performance and sustainability are the goals of formal microfinance institutions (MFIs). This study analysed the impact of social performance on microfinance sustainability of formal MFIs. The study used the regression analysis on a set of panel data from 2016 to 2024 of all formal MFIs in Vietnam. The results showed that social performance affected operational sustainability according to different trends, the breadth of outreach had a positive relationship with operational sustainability; the depth of outreach had a negative relationship with operational sustainability. While social performance had positive relationships with financial sustainability; both the breadth and depth of outreach had positive relationships with financial sustainability. Through the findings the study offers policy implication, recommends and helps the managers and policy-makers to understand this impact for effective and sustainable management of formal MFIs.

The rise of instant payments and payment substitution across countries

2025-06-24
David B. Humphrey , Tanai Khiaonarong | Applied Economics

Generational imprints: A contingency approach to corruption and entrepreneurship

2025-06-23
Yifan Wei , Milo Shaoqing Wang , Jingjiang Liu | Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal
Abstract Research Summary Existing research offers conflicting evidence on how corruption affects entrepreneurship. We adopt a contingency approach highlighting the role of generational imprinting. Drawing on imprinting and generational research, … Abstract Research Summary Existing research offers conflicting evidence on how corruption affects entrepreneurship. We adopt a contingency approach highlighting the role of generational imprinting. Drawing on imprinting and generational research, we argue entrepreneurs develop distinct generational imprints shaped by the environment during their formative years. Using a proprietary dataset of Chinese private firms, our findings suggest that in corrupt environments, market‐generation entrepreneurs with a transactional imprint tend to outperform their premarket‐generation counterparts in the short run, as the latter's principled imprint likely limits public relations spending. Personal life experiences—rural living and higher education—attenuate the influence of the transactional imprint, narrowing intergenerational differences in firm performance. Our study advances research on corruption and entrepreneurship by integrating institutional, generational, and individual‐level perspectives to explain how corruption affects entrepreneurs differently. Managerial Summary The relationship between corruption and entrepreneurship remains contested. Our study takes a novel angle by examining generational differences among entrepreneurs. We suggest that the distinct environments entrepreneurs experienced during adolescence shape their value orientations, leading to variation in firm performance in corrupt environments. Using a dataset of Chinese private firms, we show that, in corrupt environments, younger‐generation entrepreneurs with a transactional orientation (i.e., transactional imprint) tend to outperform older‐generation entrepreneurs with a principled orientation (i.e., principled imprint) in the short run. However, this performance gap narrows among those who lived in rural areas or received higher education. Our work highlights the crucial role of institutional environments in shaping entrepreneurs' values across generations and advocates for initiatives that cultivate more ethically grounded entrepreneurial mindsets.

Empowering women through agricultural cooperatives: a multilevel analysis in Morocco’s Marrakech-Safi region

2025-06-23
Aomar Ibourk , Sana Hninou | Discover Sustainability

Financial inclusion and farmers’ income increase: Effects and realization mechanism

2025-06-23
Guibo Liu , Xiaoxian Gong , Guandong Wang | PLoS ONE
From the perspective of agricultural industrialization, based on China's provincial data from 2006 to 2022, it studies the impact of financial inclusion on farmers' income. We have found that financial … From the perspective of agricultural industrialization, based on China's provincial data from 2006 to 2022, it studies the impact of financial inclusion on farmers' income. We have found that financial inclusion can effectively promote the growth of farmers' income, and this effect shows the heterogeneity of different income structures, income levels, and regional types. More importantly, agricultural industrialization is an important mechanism for financial inclusion to promote farmers' income growth. However, the interactive effect of financial inclusion and agricultural industrialization has not promoted the growth of farmers' income, indicating that there are certain structural problems in the current development of financial inclusion. We suggest that the development of financial inclusion should aim at the agricultural industrialization based on division of labor and cooperation. It can focus on supporting the development of local leading industries with regional comparative advantages, guide farmers to enter the agricultural industry chain, and improve farmers' opportunities to share economic results.

Socio-economic Development through Financial Inclusion: An Indian Perspective

2025-06-23
R. Magesh Kumar | Journal of Informatics Education and Research
Financial inclusion has been the buzzword in development economics particularly in developing countries like India which is striving hard helping the people escape from the poverty successfully. The new financial … Financial inclusion has been the buzzword in development economics particularly in developing countries like India which is striving hard helping the people escape from the poverty successfully. The new financial inclusion matrix includes aspects like penetration, usage and quality and the parameters related to these aspects determine the inclusiveness of financial and economic policy for overall development of the society and country. The Indian government is facilitating the provisioning of financial products and services through banks in order to make these services and products accessible to all without failure. This study aims to analyse the impact of financial inclusion parameters on country`s economic and social development. The independent variables taken for analysis are number of Scheduled Commercial Bank branches, Credit disbursement by Regional Rural Banks and credit provisioning through Self Help Group in India. The impact of these variables on GDP per capita and HDI score as dependent variables has been analysed using regression analysis. The outcomes of the analysis shows that there was an impact of independent variables on GDP per capita of the country and also on social development index in terms of Human Development Index score of India from the year 2003 to 2022, but the impact was not significant at 95 % confidence level. The significant reason of insignificant improvement on dependent variables owing to independent variables was covid pandemic. Besides, lack of customised schemes for region specific implementation could be among reasons.

Financial Innovation and Financial Performance of Deposit-Taking SACCOs in North Rift Region, Kenya

2025-06-23
Peter Gatimu | Journal of Finance and Accounting
Deposit-taking SACCOs in the North Rift Region of Kenya face significant financial performance issues that impede their ability to effectively serve their communities and sustain long-term growth. Therefore the study … Deposit-taking SACCOs in the North Rift Region of Kenya face significant financial performance issues that impede their ability to effectively serve their communities and sustain long-term growth. Therefore the study sought to assess the effect of financial innovation on financial performance of deposit-taking Saccos in North Rift Region, Kenya. Specifically, the study sought to assess the effect of product innovation, process innovation and organizational innovation on the financial performance of DT-SACCOS in the North Rift region. The study was anchored on the Schumpeter’s theory of innovation, transaction cost innovation theory, innovation diffusion theory and dynamic capabilities theory. The study employed a causal research. The unit of analysis was 30 deposits taking SACCOs licensed by SASRA in the North Rift Region. The unit of observation was 408 employees working with the with these SACCOs. The study used Slovin formula to obtain a sample size of 202 respondents. Secondary and primary sources of data were used to meet the objectives. The study assessed content validity, face validity and construct validity. Secondary data was collected through data google sheet to collect data on net income and average total assets for all the Saccos. Descriptive statistics was employed in this study to determine general trends of the related variables. The study used multiple linear regression to determine the extent to which independent variable predicted the dependent variable. The findings revealed that product innovation had a strong positive correlation with ROA. In addition, the findings revealed that process innovation showed an even stronger positive correlation with ROA. Finally, the findings revealed that organizational innovation was positively correlated with ROA. Based on the findings the study concludes that product innovation had a significant effect on the on financial performance of deposit-taking Saccos in North Rift Region, Kenya. In light of the findings the study recommends that the Deposit-Taking SACCOs (DT-SACCOS) should embrace a culture of innovation by encouraging creativity, experimentation, and continuous improvement within the organization. In addition, regulators and policy makers should develop supportive regulatory frameworks and policies that encourage innovation, competition, and entrepreneurship within the SACCO sector. Keywords: Financial Innovation, Product Innovation, Process Innovation, Organizational Innovation, Financial Performance.

Network Effects in Household Consumption Patterns: Evidence From Northern Ghana

2025-06-22
Shaibu Mellon Bedi , Lukas Kornher , Bekele Hundie Kotu +1 more | Review of Development Economics
ABSTRACT We study peer effects in consumption patterns and their associated welfare implications among rural farm households in northern Ghana using a panel data set. We construct a social interaction … ABSTRACT We study peer effects in consumption patterns and their associated welfare implications among rural farm households in northern Ghana using a panel data set. We construct a social interaction network based on household‐specific locations and employ a spatial econometric approach that leverages the structure of the peer networks to identify peer effects. The results indicate that peers' consumption patterns significantly influence individual consumption decisions, with the magnitude of this effect varying across farm households depending on their resource endowments. We also find that information exchange and partial risk‐sharing behaviors drive these peer effects. Overall, our findings suggest that government interventions aimed at enhancing household consumption through transfers would be more effective if targeted at households with relatively large peer networks. In addition, anti‐poverty and income‐improvement programs can leverage peer networks to enhance their overall impact.

The Impact of Microfinance on Women Empowerment and Poverty Alleviation: A Comparative Study Across Rural and Urban Areas

2025-06-22
Doli Bharti | International Journal of Advanced Research in Science Communication and Technology
Microfinance has proven to be an important poverty-alleviation instrument and a vehicle for women's empowerment, particularly in developing economies. This research investigates the effects of microfinance schemes on women's empowerment … Microfinance has proven to be an important poverty-alleviation instrument and a vehicle for women's empowerment, particularly in developing economies. This research investigates the effects of microfinance schemes on women's empowerment and poverty alleviation in rural and urban settings. We pursue a comparative method to investigate differences in economic independence, decision-making authority, and social mobility. Applying a mixed-method research design, the research evaluates the impact of microfinance schemes through primary data gathered from beneficiaries in varying regions. The research indicates that microfinance plays a positive role in women's empowerment in both contexts, with rural areas experiencing higher difficulties with financial literacy and access to resources. It concludes that differentiated microfinance approaches are essential to maximize the impact across different socio-economic settings

The impact of competitive advantage on the sustainability of microfinance institutions in Ghana: assessing the moderating role of capacity building

2025-06-21
Mensah Marfo , Eleazer Fianko Ofei , Edward Annan +4 more | SN Business & Economics

Empowering Communities through Financial Literacy Initiatives for SME Development

2025-06-21
Sri Prilmayanti Awaluddin , Eka Wijaya Paula , Sigrid Tamriesfatno +2 more | Golden Ratio of Community Services and Dedication
Financial literacy initiatives are crucial in empowering communities for small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) development. This qualitative literature review explores the landscape of financial literacy programs targeting SMEs, their effectiveness, … Financial literacy initiatives are crucial in empowering communities for small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) development. This qualitative literature review explores the landscape of financial literacy programs targeting SMEs, their effectiveness, and the contextual factors influencing their outcomes. The research methodology systematically selects peer-reviewed articles, books, and reports published between 2012 and 2022, utilizing databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Scopus. Data collection entails thorough reading and analysis of selected sources, followed by iterative coding to identify key themes and insights. The findings reveal a diverse range of financial literacy interventions, including workshops, training seminars, and online resources, tailored to address the specific needs of SME owners and entrepreneurs. Cultural, socio-economic, and institutional contexts significantly influence the design and implementation of these programs, highlighting the importance of contextual sensitivity. Participation in financial education programs positively impacts SMEs' financial knowledge, decision-making abilities, and business performance, leading to improved access to financing and sustainable growth. However, challenges such as resource constraints and low financial awareness hinder the scalability and effectiveness of these initiatives. Leveraging technology and innovative delivery methods, such as digital platforms and social media, holds promise in expanding the reach and impact of financial literacy programs, particularly in underserved communities. This review underscores the importance of continued investment in financial education to unlock the full potential of SMEs as drivers of economic prosperity and social progress.

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN MICROFINANCE: A PATHWAY TO SUSTAINABILITY.

2025-06-21
Alka Jain Parveezulla | European Economic Letters (EEL)
The study is conducted with an objective to understand how digital transformation is vital in the pursuit of enhancing sustainability and business efficiency of MFIs in Bangalore. In response to … The study is conducted with an objective to understand how digital transformation is vital in the pursuit of enhancing sustainability and business efficiency of MFIs in Bangalore. In response to the MFI representatives from the rural and the urban area, the study assesses impact of DigiTech on efficiency, financial accessibility, and uptake of microfinance products. The study adopted a random sampling technique, and data was collected through self-administered questionnaires containing Likert scale of 1-5. The current research study makes use of the analysis technique called Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) by employing SmartPLS 4. From the papers, it is clear that digital transformation improves the operational capability of MFIs as it reduces the cost of transactions as well as the time taken in providing the services which also brings financial outputs to financial exclusion especially the rural clients. Additionally, this has boosted the delivery and access of micro finance services since the use of the payment interfaces is on the rise. Nevertheless, there are challenges such as physical infrastructure limitation, illiteracy in digital technology, and culture that limit the adoption of the ideal digital model. Therefore, the study suggests enhancing internet connection, technology, IT awareness, cybersecurity, ease of use, and the integration of big data into personalized banking services. These activities will go on evolving the long–term sustainability of MFIs’ profitability and the growth of the financial services to the emerging sectors.

A STUDY ON THE IMPACT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY(IT) ON BANKING SECTOR WITH REFERENCE TO SBI, HYDERABAD

2025-06-21
Gopishetty Lekhya , S. Narender | International journal of management research and business strategy.
Information Technology (IT) has transformed the State Bank of India (SBI), enhancing operational efficiency, customer service, and competitiveness. SBI uses IT tools such as mobile and internet banking, core banking … Information Technology (IT) has transformed the State Bank of India (SBI), enhancing operational efficiency, customer service, and competitiveness. SBI uses IT tools such as mobile and internet banking, core banking solutions, ATMs, digital wallets, and AI to improve transaction speed, accuracy, risk management, and decision-making. Based on data from reports and surveys, the study finds a strong link between IT adoption and increased customer satisfaction, scalability, and rural outreach. Despite challenges like cybersecurity and resistance to change, SBI continues to lead in digital innovation through sustained IT investments.

Education and Digital Finance: Exploring the Relationship between Educational Attainment and Online Banking Engagement in Sri Lanka

2025-06-21
Gamini Weerasinghe , M. M. S. A. Karunarathna | Asian Journal of Economics Business and Accounting
This study investigates the relationship between educational attainment and online banking engagement among adults in Sri Lanka, addressing a critical gap in digital financial inclusion literature. Despite high general literacy … This study investigates the relationship between educational attainment and online banking engagement among adults in Sri Lanka, addressing a critical gap in digital financial inclusion literature. Despite high general literacy and expanding digital infrastructure, online banking usage in Sri Lanka remains disproportionately low, with only about 1% of bank customers actively using such services. Using simple random sampling method data were collected from 382 respondents in the Balangoda Divisional Secretariat Division and analyzed using ANOVA. The findings reveal a statistically significant difference in online banking usage across various education levels. Specifically, individuals with a bachelor's degree or higher reported the highest levels of engagement, while those with lower educational qualifications, particularly below GCE O/L, demonstrated minimal usage. Pairwise comparisons further confirmed that increased education correlates positively with greater online banking usage, likely due to improved digital literacy, cognitive ability, and familiarity with financial technologies. The study emphasizes that educational attainment is a key predictor of digital financial behavior, surpassing the effects of general literacy alone. These findings suggest that policies aimed at promoting online banking should consider targeted educational interventions, especially in regions with lower educational access. By highlighting education as a central factor in technology adoption, this research contributes to a more nuanced understanding of digital inclusion and offers valuable insights for policymakers seeking to enhance equitable access to financial services in developing economies like Sri Lanka.

Exploring The Benefits of Bank Financing for MSMEs:Evidence from Assam

2025-06-20
Bhrigujyoti Rabha , Dipankar Malakar | International Journal of Accounting and Economics Studies
This paper analyses the perceived benefits of various financial loans provided by financial institutions to Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Financial institutions offer a wide range of loans and … This paper analyses the perceived benefits of various financial loans provided by financial institutions to Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Financial institutions offer a wide range of loans and services to meet the financial needs of MSME’s which includes startup loans, long term loans, working capital loans, overdraft facilities etc. This article examines whether these services have benefited business performance. Based on a sample of 300 MSMEs registered in the Goalpara and Kokrajhar districts of Assam and supported by secondary data from RBI and SLBC reports, the study applies descriptive analysis, Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). Findings show that bank financing has had a positive impact on business growth acceleration and on improving business sustainability. Bank financing also improves financial reporting quality by enabling compliance with Indian Accounting Standards. However, Post Covid crisis, bank financing shows no such evidence of job creation, although it has contributed to improved financial reporting quality due to digital integration such as the UDYAM portal and GST filings. It highlights financial awareness gaps, as well as challenges with outreach and institutional credit distribution in rural areas. These finding hold significance in formulating effective policies and strategies to support the MSME sector.

Development and Validation of a Tool to Measure Gender Equality Among Adults in a Slum of Kolkata, India

2025-06-20
Jyotika Singh , Bobby Paul , Ravinder Kumar +2 more | Cureus

The Role of NBFCs in Promoting Financial Inclusion Among Economically Weaker Sections in India

2025-06-20
| REST Journal on Banking Accounting and Business
The Economically Weaker Segment (EWS) in India comprises individuals and families from the unreserved category earning less than ₹1 lakh annually. With a dedicated 10% reservation in the general category, … The Economically Weaker Segment (EWS) in India comprises individuals and families from the unreserved category earning less than ₹1 lakh annually. With a dedicated 10% reservation in the general category, the EWS initiative aims to uplift this group through targeted financial inclusion strategies. Financial inclusion ensures access to essential financial services like credit, insurance, savings, and payment mechanisms, critical for economic empowerment and poverty alleviation. Government schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), Atal Pension Yojana, and Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana are instrumental in this effort. This study specifically examines the role of Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) in enhancing financial access among economically disadvantaged populations. Through a structured survey conducted in rural and semi-urban areas of Coimbatore district, the study evaluates awareness, usage, satisfaction levels, and the impact of NBFC services on the financial well-being of the EWS. The findings underscore the importance of NBFCs in filling the service gaps left by traditional banks, promoting financial literacy, and offering accessible and customized financial products to marginalized communities.

Human Centred AI for Inclusive Microfinance: A Data Driven Model for Women’s Credit Empowerment and Macroeconomic Upliftment

2025-06-20
Vaibhav Chaudhary , S. Suman , Sneha Kumari | RESEARCH HUB International Multidisciplinary Research Journal
Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered microfinance framework has been specifically designed to cater for the needs of women in rural India. The model integrates microeconomic behaviour analytics, macroeconomic simulation using Computable General … Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered microfinance framework has been specifically designed to cater for the needs of women in rural India. The model integrates microeconomic behaviour analytics, macroeconomic simulation using Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) models, and machine learning techniques like Random Forest and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) to recommend optimal loan amounts, assess credit risk, and predict empowerment outcomes. By leveraging empirical evidence from global and Indian contexts—including Self Help Group (SHG) case studies, Financial Technology (FinTech) innovation, and algorithmic fairness tools—this framework aims to enhance women's transparency, inclusion, and long-term socio-economic upliftment. There has been an emphasis on practical applicability, interpretability, and policy relevance for inclusive financial systems.

Analysis on Determinants of Loan Repayment among Rice Farmers in North-West Agricultural Zone of Benue State, Nigeria

2025-06-19
Burbwa Philip Aondover , Ameh David Enemune , Ogebe Francis Ozoko | Asian Journal of Advanced Research and Reports
In developing countries, the role of agricultural credit is closely related to providing the needed resources which farmers cannot source from their own available capital. Little or none of these … In developing countries, the role of agricultural credit is closely related to providing the needed resources which farmers cannot source from their own available capital. Little or none of these studies examined the influence of socio-economic factors on loan repayment ability among rice farmers in the North-West agricultural zone of Benue State, Nigeria. This study is therefore intended to fill the existing gaps through investigating factors affecting loan repayment of rice farmers in the study area, as well as ascertaining which of these factors significantly influence loan repayment in the study area. Several reasons have been advanced for low repayment ability among farmers in less developed countries (LDC). Reasons have ranged from deliberate refusal to pay by some farmers to non-repayment of loans arising from loss of income due to the devastating effects of crop failure and ill health. This study investigated the determinants of loan repayment by rice farmers in Benue State, Nigeria. The study focused on analysing socio-economic characteristics, loan performance, credit adequacy and the key factors affecting repayment: describe the socio-economic characteristics of respondents, assess the factors that affect loan repayment among rice farmers, examine the level of loan repayment performance and ascertain the credit adequacy of the respondents in the study area. The study was conducted in the North-West agricultural zone of Benue State, Nigeria. Primary data were collected with the aid of a well-structured questionnaire from 424 randomly selected rice farmers. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, credit adequacy ratio (CAR), loan repayment index (LRI) and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS). Data covering socio-economic characteristics such as age, farm size, farming experience with credit use, amount of loan obtained, amount of loan repaid, income earned, etc., were elicited from respondents through the use of a well-structured questionnaire. Results showed that males were dominant (75.47%) in rice production, and the majority (42.45%) were between 41-50 years, with most (48.35%) farmers accessing loans exclusively from informal sources. Also, the result found that the majority (76.65%) of the sampled rice farmers indulged in loan diversion to family uses. Loan performance indices estimated showed that only 25.94% of the borrowed amount was repaid as due. This repayment rate is significantly below optimal levels, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the existing loan mechanism. This situation indicated a low repayment performance of the farmers in the study area. Empirical results from regression analysis showed that the sex of the respondents, loan from other sources, collateral value, amount of money borrowed and total income of the farmers were the significant factors that influenced loan repayment. It was concluded that low repayment limited effective loan administration in the study area. It was recommended that regular monitoring by lenders should be heightened to ensure prompt repayment.

Role of Microfinance in Women Empowerment

2025-06-19
Vinod Bhelose , Sakshi Bhise | International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research
The study attempts the role of microfinance in fostering women's empowerment in the rural areas. Microfinance, particularly through Self-Help Groups (SHGs), has emerged as a significant instrument for enhancing women's … The study attempts the role of microfinance in fostering women's empowerment in the rural areas. Microfinance, particularly through Self-Help Groups (SHGs), has emerged as a significant instrument for enhancing women's economic, social, and psychological well being. The study aims to assess women’s empowerment in terms of Economic, Social, and Overall Empowerment, the degree of freedom and decision-making among women members, challenges faced, and the overall impact on their empowerment. A structured survey was conducted among 112 women beneficiaries. The result of the study point out that access to microfinance significantly improves women's income levels, social participation, decision-making confidence, and financial independence.

Spending Behavior of DepEd Personnel on the Use of Local Credit Card: Basis for Personal Financial Plan

2025-06-19
Rizalina P. Preconcillo | International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science
Economic growth is driven by rising card payments. According to the study performed by Zandi et al. (2013), cards help stimulate growth for economies. Cards provide customers with convenient and … Economic growth is driven by rising card payments. According to the study performed by Zandi et al. (2013), cards help stimulate growth for economies. Cards provide customers with convenient and secure access to their funds. Greater usage of electronic payments added $983B in global economic growth from 2008 to 2012. Whereas, electronic payment contributed 0.8 percent increase in gross domestic product in emerging countries and 0.3 percent increase in GDP in developed markets. The economy is unburdened from papers and contribution is added to GDP. As credit card consumption increases, it decreases the amount of cash circulated and ensures that economic activities are registered, and all monetary contributions are recorded in the economic system. As tax revenues increase, the growing economy also brings together new business opportunities and prevents unemployment. Last November 2021, the Credit Card Association of the Philippines (CCAP), celebrated over four decades of its existence. CCAP provides Filipinos with better access to credit cards (The Philippine Star, 2021). As this complements the goal of Bangko Sentral ng Philippines (BSP), transforming the country from a cash-heavy to a cash-lite economy. The BSP aims to convert 50 percent of financial transactions in the country to digital form and raise the number of Filipino adults with bank accounts to 70 percent of the population by 2023, under its Digital Payments Transformation Roadmap. BSP Media and Research – Speeches (2020) has rolled out initiatives toward providing consumers with an efficient, safe, and inclusive payment ecosystem, with the COVID-19 pandemic serving as the catalyst. From percent last 2013, the volume of financial transactions done electronically leaped to 20 percent in 2020. According to Surtida (2021) issuers will continue to partner with the financial consumers and remain committed and aligned with the thrust of regulations, to realize a better digitized and financially inclusive Philippine economy. Moreover, mentioned on their 41st organization virtual anniversary celebration that, issuers are keen to introduce further improvements in process and customer experience related to card issuance, including making transactions more secure. Further, Republic Act No. 1080 also known as Philippine Credit Card Industry Regulation Law (Credit Card Law) governs all credit card issuers, acquirers, and all credit card transactions and aims to align with global best practices and promote an efficient payment system (Villaraza, et.al 2021). All options, perks, and other promotional offers concerning the use of credit cards in the Philippines are governed by this law and also leaned upon by further discussions in this study. This law’s Section 19 protects credit card holders and users from harassment or unfair collection practices as defined by BSP rules and regulations. The Bangko Sentral’s figures show that the entire amount of credit card debt held by the Philippine banking system is Php 157.394 billion, of which Php 15.141 are classified as non-performing These statistics are highly concerning, and numerous websites online offer advice on how to cut back on or pay off credit card debt. To recognize the genuine value and measure of a credit card, it is necessary to comprehend credit cards and how they operate (Domingo, 2023). Cash is no longer king, consumers have embraced digital payments as a result of the pandemic (Islam, 2021). The pandemic opens consumers to an easier and more convenient way of handling cash. The world has changed dramatically and so as the consumers. Moreover, as stated by HSBC PH (2021), banks are unable to assess how well cardholders can manage debt if they don’t have a credit history. Building up a good track record of paying off debt is possible through the help of a credit card. Staying within their limit and making at least the minimum payment each month. Applying for a mortgage on larger loans will prove it the cardholder is responsible for handling debts. Credit card holders may be harmed if they will not follow the credit card agreements. The credit card offers reward points or miles that credit card holders can redeem for travel, gift cards, and many more. While having an easier and more comfortable way of buying, they also avail those benefits that credit card company offers. Rebates or cash back are among the popular offers of credit cards to its holders. They offer minimal charge fees and interest while having rewards rate. Rewards points earned can be used in restaurants, groceries, and even in gasoline stations. Most cash back credit cards also offer great cash back welcome bonuses to new cardholders. Spending money regularly in certain retailers, the option of using a credit card is also an advantage for enhanced rewards, discounts, and perks. It is safer to use a credit card in paying than cash and debit cards. Carrying a huge amount of cash when purchasing somehow makes your life at stake and prone to fraud and losses. There are cases where money is missing from their debit card instantly. When a credit card is used fraudulently, notifying the credit card company of the fraudulent transactions, while the matter is under investigation, credit card holders are not forced to pay the transactions while the credit card company is still resolving the transaction. The Department of Education’s personnel play a vital role in delivering and ensuring that each learner will receive the adequate learning they must have. From district superintendent, area supervisor, accounting, bookkeeping, teachers, and many more. All have the same goal of promoting every Filipino with complete basic education. These personnel also devote the salaries they received to their daily finances and needs. The increasing cost of living and inflation brings alarm to everyone. As Click (2021) mentioned that APDS Task Force Resolution No. 6, s. 2021 has clarified the rationale and full implementation of the 15-30 salary release scheme in the Department of Education. The new salary scheme for the DepEd Personnel will be received every 15th and 30th of the month. It was approved and implemented last January 2022 to all DepEd personnel nationwide upon the recommendation of the DepEd central office. To supply their necessities while waiting for their upcoming salaries, personnel opt to apply for credit cards, where the payment method is friendly. They use this as an alternative mode of payment in groceries, department stores, and other establishments which allow them to use the credit line given to them. In the province of Camarines Norte, particularly in the municipality of Daet, establishments and companies accept the use of credit cards. The most common credit card providers are Banco De Oro (BDO), SM Mall, SM Savers, LCC Department Store, Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), and Citi Bank. They have almost the same perks and promotional offers which entice credit card holders to use their cards. Comparing the current situation of the abovementioned DepEd teachers, it was reported that Filipino-public school teachers owe a total of Php 319 billion in debt to private and public lending financial lending institutions (Web Report, 2019). This debt behavior is attributed to a lack of financial literacy among teachers, according to the Secretary of Education, Leonor M. Briones. Dep Ed Camarines Norte is under the supervision of the DepEd Secretary of the Philippines, headed by School Division Superintendent, Crestito M. Morcilla Therefore, based on the mentioned debt above, DepEd personnel’s debt is included and part of that. As one of the DepEd personnel, the researcher believes that conducting this study is necessary and critical. This study will help the researcher know more about spending behavior and share it with the young minds of students and other DepEd personnel, who are not yet a holder of any credit cards. The goal of this research is to measure the spending behavior of the DepEd personnel on the use of credit cards. In addition, the researcher wants to know if the profile of the respondents has something to do with their spending Behaviour, and eventually generate an output to serve as a possible intervention to assist them in enhancing their spending Behaviour.

The Impact of Digital Finance on Rural Land Transfer: Dynamic Spillover Effects and Mechanism Examination

2025-06-19
涛 陈 , Lun Li | Research Square (Research Square)
<title>Abstract</title> Digital inclusive finance provides financial capital and digital services for agricultural production, which has the necessary conditions to promote rural land transfer and improve the rural factor market. This … <title>Abstract</title> Digital inclusive finance provides financial capital and digital services for agricultural production, which has the necessary conditions to promote rural land transfer and improve the rural factor market. This paper constructs a theoretical analytical framework for the impact of digital financial inclusion on rural land transfer from both direct and indirect roles; adopts the dynamic spatial Durbin model to empirically test the hypothesized spillover effect and impact mechanism. The results indicate that: (1) digital inclusive finance facilitates rural land transfer and generates long-term spillover effects; (2)the mediating effects of agricultural infrastructure, rural labor force, and agricultural mechanization in the process of digital financial inclusion affecting rural land transfer are significant and decreasing in order; (3)the differences in the agricultural industrial base and geographic endowment in central and western China are the main factors that cause regional heterogeneity. Finally, we propose three suggestions to promote the moderate-scale operation of agriculture by expanding the coverage and service depth of digital inclusive finance, promoting the double aggregation of rural population and industry, and making up for the short boards of agricultural production in the western region.

Growth of the manufacturing sector, financial inclusion and the moderating role of financial development in Ghana

2025-06-19
Opoku Adabor , Samuel Osei-Gyebi | Journal of Financial Economic Policy
Purpose This paper aims to use Ghana as a case study to examine the effect of financial inclusion on the growth of the manufacturing sector while considering the moderating role … Purpose This paper aims to use Ghana as a case study to examine the effect of financial inclusion on the growth of the manufacturing sector while considering the moderating role of financial development. Design/methodology/approach The study covers the period from 1960 to 2020 and uses the autoregressive distributed lag model and the fully modified ordinary least square as estimation strategies. The study uses three main indicators of financial inclusion, including financial knowledge, usage of financial services and financial availability. Findings The study reveals that all three indicators of financial inclusion significantly and positively influence growth in the manufacturing sector, with the usage of financial services exerting the strongest impact. Notably, the combined influence of financial inclusion and financial development surpasses their individual effects, suggesting a synergistic relationship. These results underscore the importance for policymakers to pursue a dual strategy, advancing both financial inclusion and financial development to effectively stimulate manufacturing sector performance. Originality/value The impact of financial inclusion on the growth of the manufacturing sector at the macro level is examined. The study also unveils the moderating effect of financial development.

Gender differences in unidimensional and multidimensional financial inclusion in Burkina Faso

2025-06-19
Eugène Dimaviya Compaore , Boukaré Maiga | SN Business & Economics

Unpaid Work, Income Inequality, and Economic Growth: Evidence from Libya in the Mena Region

2025-06-18
Saadet Yağmur Kumcu | Gender Issues

Empirical Study on the Impact of Digital Inclusive Finance on Urban-Rural Consumption Quality Gap based on Dynamic Panel and Spatial Econometric Models

2025-06-18
Yongping Zhong , Yingxin Yang , Yiyang Lin | Scientific journal of economics and management research.
The concept of digital inclusive finance has gained significant attention in recent years, especially in China, where it plays a crucial role in addressing financial exclusion and promoting economic equality. … The concept of digital inclusive finance has gained significant attention in recent years, especially in China, where it plays a crucial role in addressing financial exclusion and promoting economic equality. As China strives for common prosperity and balanced development, digital inclusive finance offers a promising solution to bridge the gap between urban and rural residents, enhancing consumption capacity and reducing regional disparities. This study investigates how the development of digital inclusive finance affects the consumption quality gap between urban and rural areas. Using the Digital Inclusive Finance Development Index from Peking University, the study measures the progress of digital finance across provinces. Consumption quality is evaluated through 11 key indicators, with BP neural networks employed to improve evaluation accuracy. The research further explores the dynamic evolution of digital finance using kernel density estimation and KNN methods. To examine the impact on the consumption quality gap, dynamic panel models are applied, focusing on both direct and indirect effects. The study also explores non-linear relationships by using threshold panel models and investigates spatial spillover effects through spatial econometric models, including spatial autocorrelation and Moran’s indices. The results reveal that digital inclusive finance significantly narrows the consumption quality gap between urban and rural residents, with the most pronounced effects observed in the western and southwestern regions. Additionally, the study finds that the development of digital inclusive finance in one province has spillover effects on neighboring areas, indicating the importance of regional coordination. Based on these findings, the study recommends increasing the visibility and accessibility of digital finance, tailoring policies to regional needs, and leveraging spatial spillover effects to maximize its benefits.

Post-COVID Digital Payment Adoption and Financial Inclusion in India: Empirical Insights and Policy Implications

2025-06-18
Nauman Khalid | European Economic Letters (EEL)
Purpose:This study investigates the impact of digital payment adoption—accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic—on financial inclusion in India. It analyses multi-platform trends across UPI, AEPS, mobile wallets, and FASTag; identifies regional … Purpose:This study investigates the impact of digital payment adoption—accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic—on financial inclusion in India. It analyses multi-platform trends across UPI, AEPS, mobile wallets, and FASTag; identifies regional and demographic disparities; and assesses the relationship between digital transaction growth and the Reserve Bank of India’s Financial Inclusion Index (FII).

Financial Literacy and Education in an Era of Unprecedented Disruptions

2025-06-18
Giorgio Calcagnini , Riccardo De Bonis , Germana Giombini | Italian Economic Journal

Revisiting Financial Inclusion: Does Socio-economic Development Matter?

2025-06-18
Ayushi Raichoudhury | Vikalpa The Journal for Decision Makers
The article attempts to measure financial inclusion at the household level with the Wroclaw taxonomic approach as an appropriate method of construction of composite indices and study the effects of … The article attempts to measure financial inclusion at the household level with the Wroclaw taxonomic approach as an appropriate method of construction of composite indices and study the effects of various socio-economic development indicators on financial inclusion at the disaggregated level. Data analysis exemplified that the level of financial inclusion was directly related to per-capita income, household amenities, literacy and awareness of Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) and inversely to the distance from the bank (beyond 3 km). The results also suggested that the intended outcome of creating awareness about PMJDY to promote financial inclusion was not achieved in rural areas.

Navigating India's Financial Inclusion Through Self-Services Technologies

2025-06-18
Shaveta Sharma , A. K. Pandey , Anshuman Sharma +1 more | IGI Global eBooks
The emergence of self-service technologies has led to a significant transformation in how customers interact with service providers. Any change is deemed valuable only if it is user-friendly, comprehensible, and … The emergence of self-service technologies has led to a significant transformation in how customers interact with service providers. Any change is deemed valuable only if it is user-friendly, comprehensible, and ultimately accepted by the user. Convincing and educating customers to adapt to the new technologies that enable quicker transactions and offer cost benefits to service providers presents a considerable challenge. SSTs in India are becoming prominent as the Government of India (GoI) works to enhance financial services for the underbanked population. India must focus on enhancing financial inclusion to serve these groups and foster a stable environment for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). This chapter will explore various SSTs and their impact in India to improve financial inclusion. Furthermore, this chapter emphasizes how the adoption of self-service technologies promotes financial inclusion.

Loan Management Practices as Key Drivers for the Operation Efficiency of Microfinance Institutions in Northern Mindanao, Philippines

2025-06-18
Chrisman P. Penaso , Anthony Ly Dagang | International journal of research and scientific innovation
In the context of increasing worries over the sustainability and performance of microfinance institutions (MFIs) in the face of increasing credit risks, this research examines the influence of non-performing loan … In the context of increasing worries over the sustainability and performance of microfinance institutions (MFIs) in the face of increasing credit risks, this research examines the influence of non-performing loan (NPL) management practices on the operational efficiency of MFIs in Northern Mindanao, Philippines. Utilizing a descriptive-correlational design, data were gathered from 200 personnel of different MFIs using a structured questionnaire. The study explores four major loan management areas namely procedures of creditworthiness appraisal processes, loan monitoring and follow-up practices, methods of risk handling, and recovery of loans and how this impact working efficiency, especially in regard to the payment and recovery of loans. Results confirm high agreement by the respondents on the performance of these practices, and high mean scores point to the most important role of accurate credit judgments and active loan management in maximizing business efficiency. Correlation analysis verifies that all four loan management practices are positively correlated with business efficiency, meaning any improvement in them is linked with enhanced business performance. Moreover, the multiple linear regression analysis confirms the overall significance of the model and identifies that loan management practices that are being analyzed are significant to ascertain operational efficiency. Surprisingly, loan recovery methods were found to be the most important among all, and then loan follow-up and monitoring procedures. In contrast, while in isolation, credit assessment methods and risk management techniques did not reflect statistically significant effects on operational efficiency. The research concludes that the most critical area to enhance the operational performance of MFIs is the innovation of loan recovery techniques and monitoring processes. More importantly, there is an urgent need to improve credit evaluation processes and risk management practices to ensure operational effectiveness.

Empowering of women: the cornerstone of Viksit Bharat 2047 India

2025-06-18
Dheeraj Singh Negi , Sanjeev , Kumar Gaurav | Library Hi Tech News
Purpose This paper aims to examine the multifaceted challenges, strategies and potential impacts associated with empowering women as part of the Viksit Bharat agenda. Despite notable progress in recent years, … Purpose This paper aims to examine the multifaceted challenges, strategies and potential impacts associated with empowering women as part of the Viksit Bharat agenda. Despite notable progress in recent years, significant gender disparities persist in education, workforce participation, leadership roles and access to resources. Design/methodology/approach The analysis identifies key challenges, including low woman labor force participation, inadequate representation in political leadership and pervasive gender-based violence. Findings This paper proposes comprehensive social, economic and political strategies to address these issues and accelerate women’s empowerment. It argues that prioritizing women’s empowerment will substantially impact economic growth, social development and governance. Ultimately, empowering women is essential for India to realize its goal of becoming an equitable and prosperous developed nation by 2047. Originality/value This paper provides a forward-looking and integrative perspective on the pivotal role of women’s empowerment in realizing India’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. How to women’s empowerment is crucial for achieving India’s Viksit Bharat (Developed India) vision by 2047, a vision development of citizens of India. It is very useful for the policymakers, educators, researchers and development professionals.

Inclusión financiera y microcréditos ofertados por bancos múltiples en Bolivia

2025-06-18
Grober Peñaranda Muriel | Revista de Jóvenes Investigadores Ad Valorem
La naturaleza de la inclusión financiera permite el acceso a servicios bancarios para disponer de ellos efectivamente. Sin embargo, la realidad apunta a la supresión de utilización de productos como … La naturaleza de la inclusión financiera permite el acceso a servicios bancarios para disponer de ellos efectivamente. Sin embargo, la realidad apunta a la supresión de utilización de productos como el microcrédito. Ante ello, el presente estudio se centra en analizar la inclusión financiera y la atención de necesidades de financiamiento mediante microcréditos ofertados por la Banca en Bolivia. Metodológicamente, se trata de una investigación de tipo aplicada, desarrollada bajo el enfoque cuantitativo, con un diseño no experimental que aborda las variables objeto de estudio en su condición natural, para sustentar la investigación a partir de una revisión de la literatura y a su vez de informes de la Autoridad de Supervisión del Sistema Financiero (ASFI) con un histórico de 10 años. Lo anterior centrándonos específicamente en la Banca Múltiple boliviana. Encontrándose que la utilización de servicios y productos financieros es una opción significativa para la sociedad, atendiendo a criterios de oportunidad, igualdad y sostenibilidad. Ante ello, la Banca Múltiple boliviana aporta desde el financiamiento de microcréditos, en este caso, de los doce bancos que operan en Bolivia, realzan Banco Solidario S.A., FIE S.A., Prodem S.A. y Unión S.A. que alcanzaron en cartera una representatividad significativa en miles de bolivianos al cierre del periodo 2023. Se concluye que los microcréditos constituyen una vía incluyente para las personas de bajos recursos, por las oportunidades de vida que se les presentan con posibilidades de desarrollar emprendimientos por vocación o necesidad a partir de la inclusión financiera como una estrategia de educación y acceso a servicios financieros.

Infrastructure Finance, Gender, and Peer-to-Peer Microfinance Lending

2025-06-18
Ronny Manos , Guy Sidon | Routledge eBooks

Gender disparities and barriers for fisherwomen in the fisheries value chain system: a review of global perspectives

2025-06-18
Kazi Tanvir Mahmud , Farhana Zaman , A.B.M. Mahfuzul Haque | Gender Technology and Development

Effects of agricultural credit on rural farmers size of holdings, income and savings in Katsina State, Nigeria

2025-06-18
Adamu Hamisu Danmusa , Abubakar Umar , Donald Musa | Deleted Journal
This study analyzed the effects of agricultural credit on farmers size of holding, income and saving in some selected local government areas (LGAs) in Katsina State. The primary data were … This study analyzed the effects of agricultural credit on farmers size of holding, income and saving in some selected local government areas (LGAs) in Katsina State. The primary data were collected between June and December 2022 from 100 respondents randomly selected from four purposively selected LGAs. The data generated were presented using descriptive statistics and also subjected to inferential statistical tests such as t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA). The average income of respondents before benefiting from the credit was ₦51,824.00 which was less than their average income of ₦155,945.00 after benefiting from the credit. The study revealed that the average savings of the respondents increased from ₦16,000 to ₦86,000 after benefiting from the credit. The independent t-test yielded a value of 8.82 with correspondent critical value of 1.960 and 2.576 at 5% and 1%, respectively. The results from two-way ANOVA showed that the new incomes level after accessing the credit across the LGAs had an F-value of 7.73 with P-value of 0.001. The study also showed significant (p ≤ 0.05) differences in the income across the villages with F-value of 2.60. The provision of agricultural credit to the rural poor should also have mechanisms through which to disseminate valuable information on ways to improve the health, legal rights, sanitation and other relevant concerns of the poor.

Influence of Promotion Strategy on Microinsurance Uptake (Demand) among Micro and Small Enterprises in Nairobi City County, Kenya

2025-06-17
Aggrey Mulumbi , Caleb Odhiambo Onjure , Jane Muriithi | International Journal of Business Strategies
Purpose: The study aimed to investigate the influence of promotion strategies and Microinsurance uptake/demand among micro and small enterprises in Nairobi County, Kenya. Materials and Methods: The research adopted a … Purpose: The study aimed to investigate the influence of promotion strategies and Microinsurance uptake/demand among micro and small enterprises in Nairobi County, Kenya. Materials and Methods: The research adopted a positivist philosophy and descriptive research design. A representative sample of 387 MSEs was selected through multistage random sampling from a population of 12,429 registered MSEs in Nairobi County (MSEA, 2024). Data collection involved structured questionnaires, with a pilot test conducted to ensure validity and reliability. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics such as means and standard deviations were calculated, while inferential analysis employed multiple regression and correlation techniques to test hypotheses at a 95% confidence level (p &lt; 0.05). Findings: The analysis revealed strong positive correlations between promotion strategies and microinsurance uptake (r = 0.589), significant at p &lt; 0.01. Regression models showed that the promotion strategies accounted for 34.7% of the variance in microinsurance uptake. The ANOVA results indicate an F-statistic of 159.360 with a p-value of 0.000 further suggesting that the relationship between promotion strategies and microinsurance uptake was statistically significant at the 95% confidence level. The unstandardized coefficient (B) for promotion strategy was 0.516, indicating that a one-unit increase in promotion strategies influence led to 0.516 units increase in microinsurance uptake. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommended microinsurance providers should craft targeted promotional campaigns tailored to the unique information needs of MSE’s. Multi-channel strategy that combines face-to-face engagements, SMS alerts, community-based seminars, and digital media advertising are recommended.

Exploring Microcredit Utilisation Patterns among Smallholder Farmers in Tanzania: Insights from a Multinomial Logistic Regression Approach

2025-06-17
Lazaro Athanas Mwonge , Charles Stephen Tundui , Robert Michael Lihawa | Research Square (Research Square)
<title>Abstract</title> Purpose This study examines microcredit utilisation patterns among smallholder farmers in Morogoro region of Tanzania. It challenges the assumption that access to microcredit enhances farm productivity by revealing diverse … <title>Abstract</title> Purpose This study examines microcredit utilisation patterns among smallholder farmers in Morogoro region of Tanzania. It challenges the assumption that access to microcredit enhances farm productivity by revealing diverse usage behaviours that extend beyond agricultural goals. Design/Methodology/Approach: A cross-sectional design was employed, involving 240 smallholder farmers. Descriptive analysis and multinomial logistic regression were used to investigate the diverse microcredit utilization patterns given its suitability for modelling categorical outcome variables. Findings: The results reveal that 47.1 percent of smallholder farmers utilised microcredit exclusively for agricultural purposes, whereas 28.7 percent diverted the funds to non-agricultural uses, including food, healthcare, education, and social obligations. Meanwhile, 24.2 percent used microcredit for both farm and non-farm activities. This highlights the multifunctional role of microcredit within rural livelihoods. Male farmers were more likely to use microcredit for non-farm purposes, whereas higher education levels were linked to less diversion. Household health and headship dynamics also played significant roles in influencing spending decisions. Practical Implications: The study recommends that policymakers and microfinance institutions enhance borrower training and monitoring systems to promote effective loan utilisation. Moreover, the development of customised credit products aligned with farming seasons could further strengthen productivity outcomes. Originality/Value: Unlike prior studies that focus predominantly on microcredit access, this research emphasises the behavioural patterns of microcredit usage among smallholder farmers. It offers valuable insights into the interplay between financial behaviour and agricultural performance, thereby contributing to the broader discourse on financial inclusion and rural development in Sub-Saharan Africa.

STUDY ON THE BORROWERS PERCEPTION ON THE ROLE OF MICROFINANCE TOWARDS THEIR FINANCIAL DEVELOPMENT

2025-06-17
Mr.N.Rajeshkumar , R. Alamelumangai | EPRA International Journal of Economics Business and Management Studies
Microfinance model becomes imperative in transforming the lives of poor households. Access to credit by low income or poor households plays an important role in improving their income level. Indian … Microfinance model becomes imperative in transforming the lives of poor households. Access to credit by low income or poor households plays an important role in improving their income level. Indian microfinance sector has witnessed phenomenal growth over past two decades that as on 30th September 2021, the number of MFIs has reached to 194 and it is operating in 29 states, 5 union territories and 591 districts in India. On an average, 3.52 crore households have availed the credit through MFIs up to 2021. Southern region has an average market share of 39% of overall MFI contribution. Microfinance facility is extended by the Small finance banks, NBFCs through SHGs and JLGs. Subsequent cycle of JLG loans enable the clients to maintain their businesses of such as purchasing inputs, securing the stocks, replacing or repairing the equipments. Timely access to follow up loans provides an experience of steady improvement in the economic and financial conditions. This study aims to analyse the expectation and experience of MFI clients in selected districts of Tamilnadu towards the impact of MFI loans in their financial improvement. The findings of the study highlights that the major expectations of MFI clients are increasing the loan amount and support for skill development and training program for self employment. Many studies acknowledged micro credit positively impacted the social and economic development. The findings of the study add to this evidence and it also highlights that amount of MFI loans and subsequent loan cycle have directly impacted the financial improvement of MFI clients. Keywords: Micro-credit, SHG, JLG, Poverty, Insurance and Financial Inclusion

Empowering women in agriculture: Critical role of gender-intentional investments in Pakistan

2025-06-17
Khaiser Jhan Begum | Women s Studies International Forum