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on Microfinance |
| By: | Daraio, Cinzia; Fall, François Seck; Simar, Léopold (Université catholique de Louvain, LIDAM/ISBA, Belgium); Vanhems, Anne |
| Abstract: | This study investigates the impact of gender diversity at both the strategic and operational levels on the social efficiency of microfinance institutions (MFIs). Specifically, we assess how the presence of women on boards and among loan officers influences MFIs’ ability to deliver social outcomes, particularly in serving female borrowers, considering the portion of the loan portfolio that is delinquent or overdue as an undesirable output. Using a novel robust nonparametric frontier estimation method developed by Daraio and Simar (2024), we estimate both efficiency scores and their derivatives, allowing for a more nuanced evaluation of marginal effects and returns to scale. Our analysis draws on a cross-sectional dataset of 346 MFIs worldwide, incorporating directional distance functions and conditional efficiency frontiers based on external gender-related variables. The findings reveal that while the direct effect of gender composition on inputs and outputs is limited, there is a significant joint and non-linear impact of female board and loan officer representation on mitigating the negative effects of portfolio delinquency. These results underscore the importance of integrated gender diversity across strategic and field levels in enhancing the social performance of MFIs and provide actionable insights for policymakers aiming to promote inclusive financial practices. |
| Keywords: | OR in developing countries ; Microfinance performance and gender effect ; undesirable output ; nonparametric frontier estimation ; marginal effects |
| JEL: | C14 C13 C33 D24 O47 |
| Date: | 2025–10–23 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:aiz:louvad:2025019 |
| By: | Bobojanov, Shakhrukh; Ilyosov, Imron |
| Abstract: | This study examines the determinants of access to bank financing for enterprises in Uzbekistan, addressing both the decision to apply for credit and the probability of approval conditional on applying. Using World Bank Enterprise Survey data (n=1, 008 enterprises), we employ a twostage analytical framework: binary logit regression models examine factors associated with having an existing loan, and Heckman probit selection models jointly estimate the loan application decision and approval probability, accounting for potential selection bias. The study reveals severe credit rationing in Uzbekistan, with only 13.3% of enterprises holding bank loans and 10.1% applying for new credit. The most striking finding is the dominant effect of existing banking relationships: enterprises with current loans achieve 87.0% approval rates compared to 41.7% for first-time applicants. The Heckman outcome equation confirms this relationship banking effect, representing approximately 30-35 percentage point higher approval probability. Medium-sized enterprises enjoy substantial advantages in both application propensity and approval probability. Export activity and checking account ownership significantly enhance credit access. Contrary to international evidence, female-managed enterprises show positive approval coefficients, though statistical significance is marginal. The highly significant selection parameter confirms substantial selection bias, validating the Heckman approach. |
| Keywords: | SME financing, Credit access, Heckman selection model, Relationship banking, financial inclusion, Transition economies, Uzbekistan |
| JEL: | G21 G32 O16 P34 |
| Date: | 2026–01 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:127588 |
| By: | Rozana Himaz; Vanina Farber; Saut Sagal |
| Abstract: | Households in disaster-prone environments face multiple market failures-credit constraints, coordination breakdowns and behavioural biases that undermine the effectiveness of standalone financial instruments such as insurance. This paper develops a theoretical model showing that welfare-optimal household disaster risk management requires bundling financial instruments across the ex-ante and ex-post disaster risk management cycle covering prevention, mitigation, coping and recovery, layering tools by hazard probability and severity. We show that bundling dominates single-instrument approaches when it simultaneously relaxes distinct market frictions and is complemented by coordination effectiveness. Numerical simulations illustrate hazard-specific optimal portfolios for frequent floods and rare catastrophic earthquakes. We use two programs from Indonesia to illustrate how strategic bundling can be applied in practice in programme design. The framework provides testable predictions and guidance for designing integrated household financial protection systems in developing countries. |
| Keywords: | Risk Layering, Bundling, Market Failures, Disaster Risk Management, Developing Countries, Household Finance |
| JEL: | D81 G22 O16 Q54 H84 D91 |
| Date: | 2026 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:csa:wpaper:2026-01 |