Work

The Impact of Microfinance in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review of the Evidence

Year: 2012

Type: review

Abstract: Microfinance is seen as a key development tool, and despite the current deepening crisis within the industry, it continues to grow in sub-Saharan Africa. We systematically reviewed the evidence of the impacts of micro-credit and micro-savings on poor people in sub-Saharan Africa. We considered impacts on income, savings, expenditure, and the accumulation of assets, as well as non-financial outcomes including health, nutrition, food security, education, child labor, women’s empowerment, housing, job creation, and social cohesion. The available evidence shows that microfinance does harm, as well as good, to the livelihoods of the poor.

Source: World Development

DOI: 10.1016/j.worlddev.2012.03.012

Authors: C. van Rooyen, R. Stewart, T. de Wet

Institutions: University of Johannesburg, University of London

Language: English

Topic: Microfinance and Financial Inclusion

Subfield: Economics and Econometrics

Field: Economics, Econometrics and Finance

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: No poverty, Decent work and economic growth, Reduced inequalities, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $5,895