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Does Microfinance Reduce Poverty among the Poorest? A Macro Quantile Regression Approach

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  • Maricruz Lacalle†Calderon
  • Manuel Perez†Trujillo
  • Isabel Neira

Abstract

The goal of this paper is to provide empirical evidence to determine whether microfinance, measured through a country's gross loan portfolio per capita, has a heterogeneous effect on poverty reduction among countries with different levels of poverty. We have used a panel†data quantile regression with a data set for 57 countries for the years 2005, 2008, and 2011 to estimate the distributional impacts of microcredits on two poverty indices. Results reveal not only that microfinance significantly reduces the incidence and depth of poverty, but also that this effect differs across the different poverty levels (quantiles). The effect of microcredit on poverty reduction is slightly larger among countries where the incidence and depth of poverty are the highest, suggesting that microcredit reaches and benefits even the poorest individuals.

Suggested Citation

  • Maricruz Lacalle†Calderon & Manuel Perez†Trujillo & Isabel Neira, 2018. "Does Microfinance Reduce Poverty among the Poorest? A Macro Quantile Regression Approach," The Developing Economies, Institute of Developing Economies, vol. 56(1), pages 51-65, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:deveco:v:56:y:2018:i:1:p:51-65
    DOI: 10.1111/deve.12159
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    4. Ozili, Peterson K, 2023. "The Future of Financial Inclusion," MPRA Paper 118800, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    5. Galina Besstremyannaya & Sergei Golovan, 2019. "Reconsideration of a simple approach to quantile regression for panel data: a comment on the Canay (2011) fixed effects estimator," Working Papers w0249, Center for Economic and Financial Research (CEFIR).
    6. Sèna Kimm Gnangnon, 2021. "Exchange rate pressure, fiscal redistribution and poverty in developing countries," Economic Change and Restructuring, Springer, vol. 54(4), pages 1173-1203, November.
    7. Sodokin, Koffi & Djafon, Joseph Kokouvi & Dandonougbo, Yevessé & Akakpo, Afi & Couchoro, Mawuli K. & Agbodji, Akoété Ega, 2023. "Technological change, completeness of financing microstructures, and impact on well-being and income inequality," Telecommunications Policy, Elsevier, vol. 47(6).
    8. Yogeeswari Subramaniam & Tajul Ariffin Masron & Mastura A. Wahab & Md Aslam Mia, 2021. "The impact of microfinance on poverty and income inequality in developing countries," Asian-Pacific Economic Literature, The Crawford School, The Australian National University, vol. 35(1), pages 36-48, May.
    9. Galina Besstremyannaya & Sergei Golovan, 2019. "Reconsideration of a simple approach to quantile regression for panel data: a comment on the Canay (2011) fixed effects estimator," Working Papers w0249, New Economic School (NES).
    10. Sena Kimm Gnangnon, 2021. "Economic complexity and poverty in developing countries," Economic Affairs, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 41(3), pages 416-429, October.
    11. Sunil Khosla & Pradyot Ranjan Jena, 2022. "Analyzing vulnerability to poverty and assessing the role of universal public works and food security programs to reduce it: Evidence from an eastern Indian state," Review of Development Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 26(4), pages 2296-2316, November.

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