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Promises kept: enforcement and the role of rotating savings and credit associations in an economy

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  • N. S. Chiteji

Abstract

Rotating savings and credit associations (roscas) are a popular form of informal finance in developing countries. This paper examines the rosca's ability to enforce its terms of membership and the implications that this has for their existence in an economy. A connection between enforcement costs and the desirability of rosca formation is illustrated using a framework that focuses on the nature of the financial contract that the rosca offers, allowing inferences to be drawn about the likely viability of roscas throughout the development process and the implications this has for debates about financial dualism. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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  • N. S. Chiteji, 2002. "Promises kept: enforcement and the role of rotating savings and credit associations in an economy," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 14(4), pages 393-411.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:jintdv:v:14:y:2002:i:4:p:393-411
    DOI: 10.1002/jid.847
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    Cited by:

    1. Francesco Reito & Salvatore Spagano, 2014. "A Comparison between Formal and Informal Mutual-credit Arrangements," The Developing Economies, Institute of Developing Economies, vol. 52(2), pages 179-201, June.
    2. Ademola Abimbola. O & Ben-Caleb Egbide & Adegboyegun Adekunle. E & Eluyela Damilola. F & Falaye Adebanjo. J & Ajayi Abiodun. S., 2020. "Rotating and Savings Credit Association (ROSCAs): A Veritable Tool for Enhancing the Performance of Micro and Small Enterprises in Nigeria," Asian Economic and Financial Review, Asian Economic and Social Society, vol. 10(2), pages 189-199, February.
    3. Kyle McNabb & Philippe LeMay-Boucher & Jacopo Bonan, 2019. "Enforcement Problems in ROSCAs: Evidence from Benin," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 31(5), pages 1389-1415, December.
    4. Matthew Lowenstein, 2024. "Rotating savings and credit associations (ROSCAs) in prewar China: Communal finance and the roots of economic development," Economic History Review, Economic History Society, vol. 77(3), pages 796-822, August.
    5. Jones, Gareth A. & Dallimore, Anthea, 2009. "Wither participatory banking?: experiences with village banks in South Africa," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 23354, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.

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