FACTORS AFECTING THE ACCESSIBILITY AND EFFECTIVE USE OF MICROFINANCE SERVICES FOR POOR AND NEARPOOR WOMEN IN RURAL AREAS IN THANH HOA PROVINCE

Abstract

This study aims to identify factors influencing the ability to access and use microfinance effectively of poor and near-poor women in Thanh Hoa province. By
analyzing a sample of 868 women living in poor, near-poor household in the province, the authors point out that number of dependents, incomes, social relations, and financial policies have significant positive impacts while housing locations, loan interest rates have significant negative impacts on the ability of the poor and near-poor women to access microfinance. The study also reveals that the labour force participation of family members, production capital ratio, loan size, and non-financial policies have significant positive influences on the efficiency of using microfinance while loan periods and risks have significant negative impacts on it.