Browsing by Author "Adjei-Debrah, Deborah"

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    The Role of Microfinance Institutions in Improving the Livelihoods of Women: A Case Study of Selected Communities in the Offinso Municipality and Tafo Sub-Metropolitan Area
    (2012-02-19) Adjei-Debrah, Deborah
    Micro-credit has been identified as one of the developmental tools, aimed at reducing poverty by bringing a significant improvement in the lives of the vulnerable groups in our society- specially women who are without assets. The objective of this study was to examine micro-credit in improving the livelihoods of women in the selected communities in the Offinso Municipality and Tafo Sub-Metropolitan Area. A conceptual framework developed by Mayoux (2009), which has been modified for the study, gives, a theoretical explanation on the impact of the savings and credit in the lives of women. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected using interview guide, questionnaires and focus group discussion guide. Percentage and frequency tables and graphs, using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) were the methods used to present the data. A sample of 301 women who had access to micro-credit was covered. The study revealed that access to micro-credit has led to improvement in the women’s living conditions in the area of health care, quality food and improved incomes. Again it was found that women’s social recognition within their household had improved. However, beneficiaries encounter various challenges in accessing and using the fund, in the form of delayed disbursement and interference from family relation, respectively. It is recommended that beneficiaries used the fund for the right purpose.