Measuring the impact of microfinance products and services on poverty alleviation: a review of literature
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Date
2023
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of Social Review and Development
Abstract
Aside from merely doing business, one of the core aims of microfinance is to provide alternative credit to the poor and disadvantaged
groups. In this way, they help to equalize and expand economic means and opportunities for the poor and low-income people in
developing societies. However, not much is known about the effectiveness of specific microfinances in poverty alleviation. Besides,
it seems there exist no specific model for evaluating the effectiveness of microfinance services and products in alleviation and
eradication of poverty. As such, this article attempts to define the parameters to be used for assessing the impact of microfinance
products and services on poverty alleviation, especially in developing countries. The study drew findings from secondary research.
It was drawn from existing literature on microfinance products and services, and the impact of microfinance. The reviewed
publications included relevant journal articles, book chapters and some media reports on microfinance lending in developing
countries. The literature was evaluated and findings drawn and interpreted. The review of literature showed that a positive impact
of microfinance on household welfare and economic activity is possible despite the variation in the assessments’ methodology, time
and location. At the household welfare level, significant positive changes are identified on several outcomes including income,
wealth, household expenditure and consumption, savings, food security, children schooling, non-land asset holdings, physical and
mental health and empowerment. Nevertheless, the findings showed that the impact varies in significance and magnitude depending
on a number of factors such as borrowers’ gender, level of poverty, and level of education and experience, in addition to the time
span of the assessment. The findings of the study shed more light on the conceptualization of poverty and how it correlates more
broadly to microfinancing interventions.