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Financing micro-entrepreneurs for poverty alleviation: a performance analysis of microfinance services offered by BRAC, ASA, and Proshika from Bangladesh

Author

Listed:
  • Dilruba Khanam

    (Faculty of Business Administration, University of Chittagong)

  • Muhammad Mohiuddin

    (School of Business and Economics, Thompson Rivers University)

  • Asadul Hoque

    (College of Business, American University of Kurdistan (AUK))

  • Olaf Weber

    (University of Waterloo)

Abstract

Microfinance services have emerged as an effective tool for financing micro-entrepreneurs to alleviate poverty. Since the 1970s, development theorists have considered non-governmental microfinance institutions (MFIs) as the leading practitioners of sustainable development through financing micro-entrepreneurial activities. This study evaluates the impact of micro-finance services provided by MFIs on poverty alleviation. In this vein, we examine whether microfinance services contribute to poverty alleviation, and also identify bottlenecks in micro-finance programs and operations. The results indicate that the micro-loans have a statistically significant positive impact on the poverty alleviation index and consequently improve the living standard of borrowers by increasing their level of income.

Suggested Citation

  • Dilruba Khanam & Muhammad Mohiuddin & Asadul Hoque & Olaf Weber, 2018. "Financing micro-entrepreneurs for poverty alleviation: a performance analysis of microfinance services offered by BRAC, ASA, and Proshika from Bangladesh," Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research, Springer;UNESCO Chair in Entrepreneurship, vol. 8(1), pages 1-17, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jglont:v:8:y:2018:i:1:d:10.1186_s40497-018-0114-6
    DOI: 10.1186/s40497-018-0114-6
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    Keywords

    Poverty alleviation; Microcredit; NGOs; Sustainable rural development; Developing country; Bangladesh;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C13 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Estimation: General

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