Handbook of Microfinance, Financial Inclusion and Development

This Handbook provides evidence from top scholars on who microfinance reaches, how it helps, and why clients come back. It covers recent findings on social impacts, gender, interest rates, financial resilience, and financial education. It also focuses on delivery mechanisms, value chain finance, and insurance for smallholder agriculture. Case studies from developed and developing countries illustrate the link between microfinance, financial inclusion, and development.

Format: Hardback
Length: 494 pages
Publication date: 10 February 2023
Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd

This comprehensive Handbook brings together a wealth of evidence from esteemed scholars in the field, providing readers with a deep understanding of who microfinance serves, how it impacts individuals and communities, and the factors that drive clients to return for financial assistance. By offering updated perspectives on key concepts, the Handbook expands our framework for comprehending poverty and the specific financial requirements of low-income households.

The Handbook is organized into chapters that cover a wide range of topics, including recent findings on social impacts, the role of gender in microfinance, the fairness of interest rates, financial resilience during emergencies, and financial education. Each chapter offers a thorough exploration of these critical areas, ensuring that readers gain a comprehensive understanding of the field.

In addition to its theoretical insights, the Handbook also emphasizes the practical aspects of microfinance delivery. It explores various delivery mechanisms, such as group liability lending, agent banking, and digital finance, highlighting their significance in reaching underserved populations. Moreover, the Handbook recognizes the unique role of value chain finance and insurance in supporting smallholder agriculture, a sector that plays a vital role in many developing countries.

The case studies presented in the Handbook, drawn from both developed and developing countries and regions, showcase the novel aspects of the link between microfinance, financial inclusion, and development. These examples provide valuable insights into the real-world applications of microfinance and its potential to foster economic growth and social progress.

The Handbook includes practitioner perspectives on the role of microfinance, offering valuable insights from individuals and organizations working in the field. These views provide a practical understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with microfinance, and can assist policy makers and practitioners in developing effective strategies and interventions.

In conclusion, this Handbook is a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners interested in microfinance. It provides a comprehensive and up-to-date examination of the field, offering insights into the latest research, practical experiences, and policy considerations. By fostering a deeper understanding of microfinance, this Handbook contributes to the ongoing efforts to promote financial inclusion, reduce poverty, and achieve sustainable development worldwide.

Weight: 1000g
Dimension: 174 x 251 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789903867