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Microfinance trials on trial

Author

Listed:
  • Olga Biosca
  • Neil Craig
  • Cam Donaldson
  • Neil McHugh

Abstract

Microfinance has attracted great attention, stimulated, initially, by its association with the award of the Nobel Prize for Peace, based on its transformative potential in addressing poverty. However, work based on randomised trials associated with the award of the Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences, put the brakes on. As health economists, and given their promotion as a ‘gold standard’ method borrowed from medicine, we take a particular perspective on the microfinance trials. We question whether full account had been taken of methodological developments in the health arena that were in place before the microfinance trials were embarked upon. This may help explain the outcomes of research, subsequent to the trials, casting doubt on their initial results, but also aid calls for even greater attention to be paid to developments in health evaluations – many drawing from social science more broadly – to better explain what works for whom in which circumstances.

Suggested Citation

  • Olga Biosca & Neil Craig & Cam Donaldson & Neil McHugh, 2024. "Microfinance trials on trial," Oxford Development Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 52(2), pages 195-204, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:oxdevs:v:52:y:2024:i:2:p:195-204
    DOI: 10.1080/13600818.2024.2379401
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