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Gender and Poverty Reduction in Ghana: The Role of Microfinance Institutions

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  • Bibiana K. Batinge
  • Hatice Jenkins

Abstract

Inequality between men and women is widely acknowledged across many parts of the globe. For example, among paid employees in Ghana, women’s average hourly earnings were around 67% of men. The disparity in earnings perpetuates poverty. Access to financial resources is widely regarded as crucial machinery to addressing this gender disparity and reducing poverty among women. Microfinance is a conduit to increasing access to finance among poor urban and rural women who usually lack the collateral to access loans from traditional financial institutions. Notwithstanding the vital role microfinance institutions play, there is no consensus on the assertion that its impact is generally favourable. Therefore, this study investigated the role of microfinance on health, education, and standard of living, as dimensions of poverty reduction in the Techiman Municipality of Ghana. The results indicate that access to microfinance services positively correlates to health, education, living standards and poverty reduction. Therefore, it is essential to extend the reach of microfinance services to increase access further to finance and, consequently, accelerate the rate of poverty reduction within the Municipality.

Suggested Citation

  • Bibiana K. Batinge & Hatice Jenkins, 2021. "Gender and Poverty Reduction in Ghana: The Role of Microfinance Institutions," International Journal of Economics and Finance, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 13(8), pages 1-71, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:ibn:ijefaa:v:13:y:2021:i:8:p:71
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Joseph Kimos Adjei & Thankom Arun & Farhad Hossain, 2009. "The Role of Microfinance in Asset-Building and Poverty Reduction: The Case of Sinapi Aba Trust of Ghana," Global Development Institute Working Paper Series 8709, GDI, The University of Manchester.
    2. Alessandro Tarozzi & Jaikishan Desai & Kristin Johnson, 2015. "The Impacts of Microcredit: Evidence from Ethiopia," American Economic Journal: Applied Economics, American Economic Association, vol. 7(1), pages 54-89, January.
    3. Chen, Josie I. & Foster, Andrew & Putterman, Louis, 2019. "Identity, trust and altruism: An experiment on preferences and microfinance lending," European Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 120(C).
    4. Shimamura, Yasuharu & Lastarria-Cornhiel, Susana, 2010. "Credit Program Participation and Child Schooling in Rural Malawi," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 38(4), pages 567-580, April.
    5. Karen Macours & Renos Vakis, 2014. "Changing Households' Investment Behaviour through Social Interactions with Local Leaders: Evidence from a Randomised Transfer Programme," Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 0(576), pages 607-633, May.
    6. Gilbert O. Boateng & Akwasi A. Boateng & Harry S. Bampoe, 2015. "Microfinance And Poverty Reduction In Ghana: Evidence From Policy Beneficiaries," Review of Business and Finance Studies, The Institute for Business and Finance Research, vol. 6(1), pages 99-108.
    7. Alex Addae-Korankye, 2012. "Microfinance and Poverty Reduction in Ghana. The Case of Central Region of Ghana," Asian Economic and Financial Review, Asian Economic and Social Society, vol. 2(1), pages 135-141, March.
    8. Cull,Robert J. & Morduch,Jonathan J., 2017. "Microfinance and economic development," Policy Research Working Paper Series 8252, The World Bank.
    9. repec:hal:pseose:halshs-01053534 is not listed on IDEAS
    10. Karen Macours & Renos Vakis, 2014. "Changing Households' Investment Behaviour through Social Interactions with Local Leaders: Evidence from a Randomised Transfer Programme," Post-Print halshs-01313720, HAL.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    JEL classification:

    • R00 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General - - - General
    • Z0 - Other Special Topics - - General

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