- Title
- Investigating the effectiveness of microfinance on poverty alleviation in South Africa
- Creator
- Muchemwa, Catherine
- Subject
- Microfinance -- South Africa
- Subject
- Economic assistance, Domestic
- Subject
- Poverty -- South Africa
- Date Issued
- 2024-04
- Date
- 2024-04
- Type
- Master's theses
- Type
- text
- Identifier
- http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65252
- Identifier
- vital:74074
- Description
- This dissertation explores the role and effectiveness of microfinance in addressing poverty in South Africa. With a focus on the unique socio-economic landscape of the country, the study employs a mixed-methods approach to investigate the impact of microfinance interventions on poverty alleviation. The research encompasses a thorough review of existing literature, examining the theoretical foundations and empirical evidence surrounding microfinance and poverty reduction, from the perspective of microfinance practitioners. The research design incorporates quantitative analysis through surveys complemented by qualitative investigations through in-depth interviews. Loan officers, middle management and senior management were the target audience for questionnaires designed to elicit their opinions on the contribution of microfinance to the fight against poverty. This multifaceted approach aimed to provide a nuanced understanding of the contextual factors influencing the effectiveness of microfinance in poverty alleviation. Moreover, the study identified potential challenges and barriers that may hinder the success of microfinance initiatives in South Africa. The effectiveness of microfinance institutions (MFIs) in reducing poverty was examined by analysing how well the services of microfinance institutions matched the demands of those looking to reduce their poverty. The results point to a significant discrepancy between the services offered by MFIs and the particular requirements of the people seeking access to finance. Notwithstanding this finding, there is a general consensus that MFIs are essential to the advancement of financial inclusion. The findings of this dissertation are expected to contribute valuable insights to policymakers, practitioners, and scholars interested in the intersection of microfinance and poverty alleviation in the South African context. By critically evaluating the successes and limitations of existing microfinance programmes, the research aims to inform future policy decisions and strategic planning for sustainable poverty reduction initiatives.
- Description
- Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2024
- Format
- computer
- Format
- online resource
- Format
- application/pdf
- Format
- 1 online resource (xiv, 155 pages)
- Format
- Publisher
- Nelson Mandela University
- Publisher
- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences
- Language
- English
- Rights
- Nelson Mandela University
- Rights
- All Rights Reserved
- Rights
- Open Access
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NMU School for Economics, Development and Tourism
| Thumbnail | File | Description | Size | Format | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| View Details Download | SOURCE1 | Muchemwa, C April 2024.pdf | 3 MB | Adobe Acrobat PDF | View Details Download |