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The Mediating Role of Access to Financial Services in the Effect of Financial Literacy on Household Income: The Case of Rural Ghana

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  • Martinson Ankrah Twumasi
  • Yuansheng Jiang
  • Zhao Ding
  • Pengcheng Wang
  • Wonder Abgenyo

Abstract

The aim of alleviating poverty has a necessary implication on rural households’ economic development. The study investigates the mediating role of access to financial services (AFS) in the effect of financial literacy (FL) on household income using survey data collected from four regions in Ghana. Using the multi-stage sampling technique, 572 respondents were randomly selected for the study. The findings of this study reveal that financial literacy has a robust, increasing effect on household income. Again, the results depict that AFS mediates the positive effect of FL on household income. An interesting moderating effect of social networks is also revealed in the study. This study adds to the existing literature on rural development by exploring how financial education and inclusions contribute to poverty alleviation and provides policy implications to improve rural households’ well-being.

Suggested Citation

  • Martinson Ankrah Twumasi & Yuansheng Jiang & Zhao Ding & Pengcheng Wang & Wonder Abgenyo, 2022. "The Mediating Role of Access to Financial Services in the Effect of Financial Literacy on Household Income: The Case of Rural Ghana," SAGE Open, , vol. 12(1), pages 21582440221, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:sagope:v:12:y:2022:i:1:p:21582440221079921
    DOI: 10.1177/21582440221079921
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    Cited by:

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    3. Suhrab, Muhammad & Chen, Pinglu & Ullah, Atta, 2024. "Digital financial inclusion and income inequality nexus: Can technology innovation and infrastructure development help in achieving sustainable development goals?," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 76(C).
    4. Peter Kwame Kuutol & Josue Mbonigaba & Rufaro Garidzirai, 2024. "Financial Literacy and Financial Well-Being in Rural Households in Ghana: The Role of Financial Information Consumption," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(19), pages 1-24, September.
    5. Happiness Ozioma Obi-Anike & Ogohi Cross Daniel & Ifeoma Joanes Onodugo & Ikechukwu Joseph Attamah & Benedict Ogbemudia Imhanrenialena, 2023. "The Role of Financial Information Literacy in Strategic Decision-Making Effectiveness and Sustainable Performance among Agribusiness Entrepreneurs in Nigeria," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-17, July.

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