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Does microfinance reduce poverty? Some international evidence

Author

Listed:
  • Zhang Quanda

    (School of Economics, Finance and Marketing, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia)

Abstract

In this paper, the hypothesis that microfinance is an effective tool for reducing poverty at the macro level is tested using a unique cross-country panel data set from 106 countries for the period 1998–2013. Taking into account the potential problem of sample selection bias and endogeneity, this paper shows that microfinance has a negative effect on poverty. The results are robust to the choice of microfinance measures and poverty indicators. They suggest that in developing and emerging countries, the establishment of more MFIs should be encouraged, and more funds should be directed from development agencies and governments into MFIs, to reduce poverty.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhang Quanda, 2017. "Does microfinance reduce poverty? Some international evidence," The B.E. Journal of Macroeconomics, De Gruyter, vol. 17(2), pages 1-13, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:bpj:bejmac:v:17:y:2017:i:2:p:13:n:8
    DOI: 10.1515/bejm-2016-0011
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. P. V. Viswanath, 2017. "Microcredit and Survival Microenterprises: The Role of Market Structure," IJFS, MDPI, vol. 6(1), pages 1-25, December.
    2. Mario La Torre & Helen Chiappini (ed.), 2020. "Contemporary Issues in Sustainable Finance," Palgrave Studies in Impact Finance, Palgrave Macmillan, number 978-3-030-40248-8.
    3. Asma Boussetta, 2022. "Microfinance, Poverty and Education," Comparative Economic Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Association for Comparative Economic Studies, vol. 64(1), pages 86-108, March.
    4. Emmanuel Ofori & Kenichi Kashiwagi, 2022. "Impact of Microfinance on the Social Performance of Local Households: Evidence from the Kassena Nankana East District of Ghana," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(10), pages 1-25, May.
    5. Sodokin, Koffi & Djafon, Joseph Kokouvi & Dandonougbo, Yevessé & Akakpo, Afi & Couchoro, Mawuli K. & Agbodji, Akoété Ega, 2023. "Technological change, completeness of financing microstructures, and impact on well-being and income inequality," Telecommunications Policy, Elsevier, vol. 47(6).
    6. Kara, Alper & Zhou, Haoyong & Zhou, Yifan, 2021. "Achieving the United Nations' sustainable development goals through financial inclusion: A systematic literature review of access to finance across the globe," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 77(C).

    More about this item

    Keywords

    cross-country study; microfinance; poverty;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I32 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Measurement and Analysis of Poverty
    • E61 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook - - - Policy Objectives; Policy Designs and Consistency; Policy Coordination
    • G21 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Banks; Other Depository Institutions; Micro Finance Institutions; Mortgages
    • C33 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Models with Panel Data; Spatio-temporal Models

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