African Economics of Education (Economics/Education crossover) | 22 February 2000
Microfinance Interventions Among Rural Senegalese Women Farmers: A Livelihoods Survey
S, a, b, r, i, n, a, S, y, l, l, a, ,, A, m, a, d, o, u, S, o, w
Abstract
Microfinance interventions have been implemented in various contexts to support rural communities, particularly women farmers who face significant economic challenges. A mixed-methods approach was employed, including structured interviews and focus group discussions among a sample of 150 participants who had received microfinance support over the past five years. Findings indicate that women farmers who participated in microfinance programmes experienced an average increase of 28% in their annual income compared to those not receiving such assistance, highlighting the positive economic impact. Microfinance interventions show promise for boosting the financial resilience of rural Senegalese women farmers. Future research should explore scalability and cost-effectiveness. Policy makers are encouraged to consider expanding access to microfinance services in collaboration with existing agricultural development programmes to enhance overall economic outcomes. Microfinance, Rural Women Farmers, Gambia, Livelihoods, Agricultural Development