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on Microfinance |
| By: | Christopher Ksoll (Ottawa University); Helene Bie Lilleør (The Rockwool Foundation Research Unit); Jonas Helth Lønborg (University of Southern Denmark); Ole Dahl Rasmussen (University of Southern Denmark & DanChurchAid) |
| Abstract: | Seventy percent of the world’s poorest live in rural areas in developing countries with poor access to finance. Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) have become an increasingly widespread intervention aimed at improving local financial intermediation. Using a cluster randomized trial, we investigate the impact of VSLAs in forty-six villages in Malawi. We find positive and significant intent-to-treat effects on the number of meals consumed per day, total household consumption, and number of rooms in the dwelling over a two-year period. This effect is linked to an increase in savings and credit obtained through the VSLAs, which has increased agricultural investments. |
| Keywords: | Saving groups; Village Savings and Loan Associations; VSLA; Malawi; Impact evaluation; cluster-randomized controlled trial |
| JEL: | O16 O13 |
| Date: | 2013–08 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:rok:spaper:56&r=mfd |
| By: | Asian Development Bank (ADB); (Southeast Asia Department, ADB); ; |
| Abstract: | The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has been one of the few active partners for microfinance development in the Philippines. It has contributed to the growth of formal microfinance activities, including expanding the outreach of diversified formal financial services to poor clients at the most affordable costs. The risk of making poor clients worse off because of unexpected events gave rise to the formation of ADB’s intervention focusing on microinsurance development. This report provides the initial sector assessment on emerging microinsurance activities and hopefully guidance on the way forward. |
| Keywords: | microinsurance, microfinance, credit, low-income people, climate change, natural disasters, premiums , caps, microfinance institutions, financial services, coverage, risks, health insurance, disability insurance, crop insurance, cattle insurance, banks, cooperatives |
| Date: | 2013–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:asd:wpaper:rpt125189&r=mfd |
| By: | Antonia Grohmann; Roy Kouwenberg; Lukas Menkhoff |
| Abstract: | This paper analyzes the state and impact of financial literacy in a so far largely neglected group: the middle class in emerging economies. This group is of increasing importance for implementing structural change, including the proper use of sophisticated financial products. We survey middle class people living in Bangkok and find that higher financial literacy leads to an increased probability of individuals demanding the sophisticated financial products that are available, and more informed use of credit cards. Overall, improving the financial literacy of the emerging middle class provides a double dividend: it increases the welfare of this group and also contributes to financial development, which is a driver of growth |
| Keywords: | Financial literacy, Saving, Borrowing, Development, Instruments |
| JEL: | D14 G11 G14 |
| Date: | 2014–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:kie:kieliw:1943&r=mfd |