Journal of Health Policy and Health Governance in Africa | 26 December 2004
Assessment of Microfinance's Impact on Economic Stability and Poverty Reduction Among Rural Women Entrepreneurs in Mozambique’s Coastal Regions: Financial Health Outcomes and Repayment Patterns
M, a, n, j, e, q, u, e, Z, i, t, o, ,, M, a, b, o, t, e, C, h, i, s, a, n, d, a, ,, C, h, i, m, o, m, b, o, M, a, p, u, t, o
Abstract
Microfinance has been proposed as a tool for enhancing economic stability and poverty reduction among rural women entrepreneurs in Mozambique's coastal regions. A mixed methods approach combining quantitative surveys (\(n=200)\) with qualitative in-depth interviews (\(n=25)\). The survey results indicate that 65% of microfinance recipients reported improved financial health, while 40% experienced loan defaults. Microfinance significantly contributed to enhancing the economic stability and reducing poverty among rural women entrepreneurs in Mozambique’s coastal regions, with repayment patterns showing variability influenced by socio-economic factors. Policy recommendations include targeted support for microfinance recipients and improved credit scoring systems to mitigate loan defaults.