scholarly journals Financial inclusion and development in the least developed countries in Asia and Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonella Francesca Cicchiello ◽  
Amirreza Kazemikhasragh ◽  
Stefano Monferrá ◽  
Alicia Girón
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Panel Data Analysis ◽  
Empirical Finding ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Financial Inclusion ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Annual Data ◽  
Least Developed Countries ◽  
Analysis Technique

AbstractThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between the financial inclusion index and development variables in the least developed countries in Asia and Africa by using annual data of 42 countries for the period 2000–2019. The pooled panel regression and panel data analysis technique are used to explore this relationship. The empirical finding indicates that economic growth leads to financial inclusion. Unemployment and literacy rates are among the factors contributing to financial inclusion, and it is observed that women are more vulnerable than men are to lack financial inclusion. In less developed countries, the economy relies heavily on agriculture, and people are less financially inclusive when they live in rural areas of these countries. Also, pay inequality reduces financial inclusion rates and has a negative impact on development. The low financial inclusion rate reduces the levels of development in these countries. The results of this study can lead to the development and empowerment of vulnerable groups in the studied countries. In order to improve the conditions for development, policymakers should consider policies that enhance literacy, eliminate gender inequality and increase pay equality.

scholarly journals Financial Inclusion Measurement in the Least Developed Countries in Asia and Africa

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alicia Girón ◽  
Amirreza Kazemikhasragh ◽  
Antonella Francesca Cicchiello ◽  
Eva Panetti
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
World Bank ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Financial Inclusion ◽  
Least Developed Countries ◽  
Formal Finance ◽  
Econometric Technique ◽  
Innovative Approaches

AbstractThe purpose of this paper is to examine the determinants of financial inclusion in the least developed countries in Asia and Africa. We used World Bank data to estimate the probit econometric technique in the studied countries. The results show that young people and women are groups excluded from financial inclusion and that education and income are two of the key pillars for increasing financial inclusion. Furthermore, the results reveal that a higher level of financial inclusion increases the level of official savings in countries, which in turn promotes their development. The findings of this study are beneficial for policymakers in the least developed countries to promote innovative approaches to enhance the involvement of excluded people in formal finance.

FINANCIAL INCLUSION THROUGH MICRO FINANCE

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
P. Nagarajan
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Banking Sector ◽  
Financial Inclusion ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Poor People ◽  
Resource Base ◽  
Income Groups ◽  
Low Income Groups

Finance has become an essential part of an economy for development of the society as well as economy of nation. World leaders are embracing nancial inclusion at an accelerating pace, because they know that an inclusive nancial system that responsibly reaches all citizens is an important ingredient for social and economic progress for emerging markets and developing countries. Despite the political tailwind, half of the working-age adults globally – 2.5 billion people – remain excluded from formal nancial services. Instead, they have to rely on the age-old informal mechanisms of the moneylender or pawnbroker for credit or the rotating savings club and vulnerable livestock for savings. The pandemic has had a momentous impact on economies and societies around the world. At the same time, it has shown that, with the right approach, it is possible to protect and safeguard the economy. . Through Financial inclusion we can achieve equitable and inclusive growth of the nation. Financial inclusion stands for delivery of appropriate nancial services at an affordable cost, on timely basis to vulnerable groups such as low income groups and weaker section who lack access to even the most basic banking services. It helps in economic development as it widens the resource base of the nancial system by developing a culture of savings among large segment of rural population. Further, nancial inclusion protects their nancial wealth and other resources in exigent circumstances by bringing low income groups within the perimeter of formal banking sector. Financial inclusion engages in including poor people in the formal banking industry with the intention of securing their minimal nances for future purposes. Micronance has become a medium of extending nancial services to unbanked sections of population. Micronance is banking the unbankables, bringing credit, savings and other essential nancial services within the reach of millions of people who are too poor to be served by regular banks, in most cases because they are unable to offer sufcient collateral. In a country like India with almost 30% (more than 360 million) people still below poverty line and according to latest census gures, more than 70% or 840 million people living in rural areas with little or no access to formal banking and other nancial services, micronance has a big role to play in order to bridge this gap. The Micro Finance Institutions occupies key position in nancial inclusion through micro nance where the exclusion. In developing countries, the growth of micronance institutions (MFIs) which specically target low income individuals are viewed as potentially useful for promotion of nancial inclusion. Even though MFIs at present, mainly offer only credit products; as they grow, they are likely to expand their product range to include other nancial services.

Systematized literature review on financial inclusion and exclusion in developed countries

2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 600-626 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beatriz Fernández-Olit ◽  
José María Martín Martín ◽  
Eva Porras González
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Financial Services ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
The Body ◽  
Financial Inclusion ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Theoretical Frameworks ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a systematic literature review of the research published on financial inclusion (FI) and financial exclusion (FE) in developed countries using key terms and strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. Design/methodology/approach In total, 52 papers were deemed to be relevant to the analysis. These works were critiqued using a framework that addressed geographical contexts, topics, methodologies and theoretical frameworks. Findings This review highlights the uneven level of development of the academic debate between North America, the UK and continental Europe, and identifies the different theoretical frameworks that construe the body of literature in each region. In addition, the findings show the scant offer of work on the impact that the digital economy has on FE, as well as the reduced number of studies which have focused on certain vulnerable groups and the access to some financial services. Social implications The studies reviewed have not analyzed the specific needs of vulnerable groups while considering the different contexts and pathways to exclusion. The evaluation of solutions and strategies to achieve inclusion is one of the least addressed aspects in the literature. Originality/value The paper synthesizes the main contributions of the top literature on the redefinition of FI/FE in developed countries, the role of fringe services and new determinants of exclusion. The proliferation of studies regarding FI in low- and middle-income countries has generated a great amount of meta-analysis and systematized reviews of asymmetric results. However, no systematized literature review on the broad scope of FI/FE in developed countries has been published in the last decade. This work sheds light over poorly analyzed areas of research that refer to notable social problems.

scholarly journals TRENDS IN ACCESS TO WATER AND SANITATION IN MALAWI: PROGRESS AND INEQUALITIES (1992-2017)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra Cassivi ◽  
Elizabeth Tilley ◽  
E.O.D. Waygood ◽  
Caetano Dorea
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Least Developed Countries ◽  
Water And Sanitation ◽  
Sanitation Services ◽  
Agenda 2030 ◽  
Emerging Trends ◽  
Access To Water ◽  
Urban And Rural Areas

AbstractBillions of people globally gained access to improved drinking water sources and sanitation in the last decades, following effort towards the Millennium Development Goals. Global progress remains a general indicator as it is unclear if access is equitable across groups of the population. Agenda 2030 calling for “leaving no one behind”, there is a need to focus on the variations of access in different groups of the population, especially in the context of least developed countries including Malawi. We analyzed data from Demographic Health Survey (DHS) and Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) to describe emerging trends on progress and inequalities in water supply and sanitation services over a 25-year period (1992 - 2017) and to identify the most vulnerable population in Malawi. Data were disaggregated with geographic and socio-economic characteristics including regions, urban and rural areas, wealth and education level. Analysis of available data revealed progress in access to water and sanitation among all groups of the population. The largest progress is generally observed in the groups that were further behind at the baseline year, which likely reflects good targeting in interventions/improvements to reduce the gap in the population. Overall, results demonstrated that some segments of the population - foremost poorest Southern rural populations - still have limited access to water and are forced to practise open defecation. Finally, we suggest to include standardized indicators that address safely managed drinking water and sanitation services in future surveys and studies to increase accuracy of national estimates.

scholarly journals Volume of collected wastewater in the Arab States in 2013 (in millions m3)

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chloé Meyer
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Network Coverage ◽  
Least Developed Countries ◽  
Urban Centers ◽  
Arab Region ◽  
Improved Sanitation ◽  
Treatment Facilities ◽  
Arab States ◽  
Sanitation Systems

This layer shows the volume of collected wastewater in the Arab States, expressed in millions of cubic meters. Access to improved sanitation is largely prevalent in the Arab region, but connections to sewerage networks and wastewater treatment facilities remain more limited. Network coverage is generally provided in larger urban centers, while septic tanks and cesspits remain common in rural areas and in the region's least developed countries. Off-network sanitation systems, however, complicate te collection and treatment of wastewater and reduce the ability to sustainably manage wastewater as a resource in most areas. For more information, acces the 2017 UN World Water Development Report: http://www.unesco.org/new/en/natural-sciences/environment/water/wwap/wwdr/2017-wastewater-the-untapped-resource/ Quality Sanitation Waste

scholarly journals Universal Particulars towards Maternal Health Circumstance

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 27-34
Author(s):  
Sushil Sharma
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Developing Countries ◽  
Maternal Health ◽  
Maternal Death ◽  
Health Problem ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Affecting Factors ◽  
Least Developed Countries ◽  
Pregnancy And Delivery

Maternal health is a crucial health problem in developing countries, especially in low resource settings, rural and poor communities. The main aim of this paper is to critically evaluate and explore the situation of maternal health care in Nepal. After reviewing the literature, I found that there are several direct and indirect causes as well as affecting factors in regarding maternal death in developing and least developed countries. In developing countries, women have been facing different problems during pregnancy and delivery period. Knowledge of maternal health and assessable health facilities are most essential in rural areas to save mothers from preventable maternal death.

scholarly journals The Outbreak of COVID-19 and Stock Market Responses: An Event Study and Panel Data Analysis for G-20 Countries

2020 ◽  
pp. 097215092095727
Author(s):  
Bhanwar Singh ◽  
Rosy Dhall ◽  
Sahil Narang ◽  
Savita Rawat
Keyword(s):  
Data Analysis ◽  
Panel Data ◽  
Event Study ◽  
Stock Markets ◽  
Stock Price ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Panel Data Analysis ◽  
Abnormal Returns ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
The Impact

This study examines the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the stock markets of G-20 countries. We use an event study methodology to measure abnormal returns (ARs) and panel data regression to explain the causes of ARs. Our sample consists of indices in G-20 countries. The observed window comprises 58 days post the COVID-19 outbreak news release in the international media, and the estimation window consists of 150 days before the event date. We find statistically significant negative ARs in the four sub-event windows during the 58 days. Negative ARs are significant for developing as well as developed countries. The findings of this study reveal that cumulative average abnormal return (CAAR) from day 0 to day 43, ranging from –0.70 per cent to –42.69 per cent, is a consequence of increased panic in the stock markets resulting from an increased number of COVID-19 positive cases in the G-20 countries. From day 43 to day 57, CAAR ranging from –42.69 per cent to –29.77 per cent indicates the recovery of stock markets after a major stock price correction due to COVID-19. Additionally, the results of panel data analysis confirm the recovery of stock markets from the negative impact of COVID-19.

scholarly journals Forecasting Forest Areas in Myanmar Based on Socioeconomic Factors

Forests ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 100 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tetsuya Michinaka ◽  
Ei Hlaing ◽  
Thaung Oo ◽  
Myat Mon ◽  
Tamotsu Sato
Keyword(s):  
Economic Development ◽  
Panel Data ◽  
Population Growth ◽  
Panel Data Analysis ◽  
Forest Degradation ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Least Developed Countries ◽  
Development Scenarios ◽  
Nations Programme ◽  
Negative Impacts

National circumstances should be considered in establishing and adjusting forest reference emission levels (FRELs/FRLs) under the United Nations Programme on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (UN-REDD+ Programme). Myanmar, one of the world’s least developed countries may face accelerating deforestation under an open and democratic political system that desires rapid economic development. This research analyzes the impacts of population growth and economic development on forest areas in Myanmar by using panel data analysis, an econometrics approach based on panel data of forest areas, population, and gross domestic product (GDP) by states and regions in 2005, 2010, and 2015. This research revealed that per capita GDP and population density gave statistically significant negative impacts on forest areas. Using the regression model obtained above, medium population growth projections, and three GDP development scenarios, annual forest areas from 2016 to 2020 were forecast. The forecasting results showed possible higher deforestation under higher economic development. Finally, this research showed the necessity of adjusting the current average deforestation for RELs in the REDD+ scheme in Myanmar and the direction in which the adjustment should go.

scholarly journals Proposed Theoretical Measurement Model for Financial Inclusion with Perspective of Refuge Inhabitants

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-25
Author(s):  
S. Sheik Abdullah ◽  
A. Krishna Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Financial Literacy ◽  
Financial Services ◽  
Measurement Model ◽  
Financial Inclusion ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Poor People ◽  
Supply Side ◽  
Complex Processes

Financial inclusion takes into account the participation of vulnerable groups such as weaker sections of the society and low income groups, based on the extent of their access to financial services such as savings and payment account, credit insurance, pensions etc. Also the objective of financial inclusion exercise is easy availability of financial services which allows maximum investment in business opportunities, education, save for retirement, insurance against risks by the rural individuals and firms. The penetration of financial services in the rural areas of India is still very low. The factors responsible for this condition can be looked at from both supply side and demand side and the major reason for low penetration of financial services is, probably, lack of supply. The reasons for low demand for financial services could be low income level, lack of financial literacy, other bank accounts in the family, etc. On the other hand, the supply side factors include no bank branch in the vicinity, lack of suitable products meeting the needs of the poor people, complex processes and language barriers. There is no studies conducted earlier especially financial inclusion initiatives with refugee inhabitants. Therefore this study was undertaken to propose the model of refugee inhabitants towards financial inclusion initiatives by the banks. The exhibited model consisting four essential factors, which are very useful for measuring financial inclusion practices.

scholarly journals The issue of social inequality in terms of health: a comparative study of Russia within the European context

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 139-161
Author(s):  
Nina L. Rusinova ◽  
Viacheslav V. Safronov
Keyword(s):  
Social Inequality ◽  
Relative Deprivation ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Good Health ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
European Social Survey ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Age Related

This article examines the issue of social inequality in terms of health, while citing the main results of an empirical study on the matter, which have been attained by means of analyzing data from the European social survey (ESS) for a few dozen countries, including Russia, together with statistical information on the state of their economy and welfare, utilizing a two-level linear and logistic modeling method. In different parts of Europe indexes of general wellbeing and the risk of developing depression differ quite drastically – in Russia, as is the case with most other relatively underdeveloped nations, the population’s health is markedly worse than in the most of the highly developed social democracies. These indexes significantly differ within the country as well – among people who occupy unequal positions within demographical and social structures. A natural discrepancy in health between elder and younger age groups is especially pronounced in underdeveloped countries, while in nations with a high level of prosperity and state social guarantees these age-related discrepancies are more or less evened out. Social capital and an individual’s mental strength play a crucial role in maintaining good health. Possessing psychosocial resources is beneficial to the health of those belonging to any given social stratum. However, in developed European countries this is mostly beneficial to the more vulnerable groups of lower social status. In developed European countries the health of said groups is negatively affected in no small part due to them experiencing relative deprivation, and the stress of social comparison to the prosperous majority. So this is not only due to a shortage of material resources or their limited access to high-quality medical services, as is the case in Russia and in underdeveloped European states. In well developed countries individual reserves and social bonds are especially important for the lower strata, in order for them to successfully overcome the negative impact of such strain on their health.

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