Vol. 2013 No. 1 (2013)

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Microfinance and Savings Interventions in Reducing Fuel Poverty: Evidence from Rural Zanzibar, Egypt

Ahmed El-Masri, Department of Cybersecurity, Environmental Research Institute (ERI) Nabil Mousa, Department of Software Engineering, Environmental Research Institute (ERI) Fareeha Shaheen, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute (TBRI) Amro Al-Sayed, Department of Artificial Intelligence, Al-Azhar University
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.18993501
Published: November 9, 2013

Abstract

Microfinance interventions have been explored for poverty alleviation in rural areas, with savings behaviour playing a critical role. A mixed-methods approach was employed, including surveys and interviews, to gather data on savings behaviour and its impact on household energy expenditure. Microfinance groups showed a significant increase (40%) in savings rates compared to non-group members over the study period, indicating enhanced financial inclusion. Savings interventions were effective in reducing fuel poverty, with microfinance groups demonstrating higher saving behaviors and lower energy costs. Further research should focus on scaling up successful models and exploring additional behavioural economic strategies. Model estimation used $\hat{\theta}=argmin_{\theta}\sum_i\ell(y_i,f_\theta(x_i))+\lambda\lVert\theta\rVert_2^2$, with performance evaluated using out-of-sample error.

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How to Cite

Ahmed El-Masri, Nabil Mousa, Fareeha Shaheen, Amro Al-Sayed (2013). Microfinance and Savings Interventions in Reducing Fuel Poverty: Evidence from Rural Zanzibar, Egypt. Journal of E-Governance and Digital Transformation in Africa (Technology, Vol. 2013 No. 1 (2013). https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18993501

Keywords

MicrofinanceZanzibarEgyptSavings BehaviourBehavioural EconomicsRural DevelopmentPoverty Reduction

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Vol. 2013 No. 1 (2013)
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Journal of E-Governance and Digital Transformation in Africa (Technology

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