scholarly journals Informal Saving Group: A Pathway to Financial Inclusion among Rural Women in Nigeria

2020 ◽  
pp. 22-30
Author(s):  
Chizoba Obianuju Oranu ◽  
Ogochukwu Gabriella Onah ◽  
Elizabeth Nkhonjera
Keyword(s):  
Financial Institutions ◽  
Rural Women ◽  
Financial Literacy ◽  
Financial Inclusion ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Journal Articles ◽  
Rural People ◽  
Financial Exclusion ◽  
Group A ◽  
To Receive

Financial inclusion is a key to economic development and has continually gained increased attention across countries, particularly in developing countries where there is relatively high rate of financial exclusion. In Nigeria, despite several measures taken to promote financial inclusion, there is still high rate of financial exclusion among rural women, as rural people and women are generally more financially excluded. This article provides an overview of financial inclusion, analysis of the patterns and dynamics of financial inclusion in Nigeria and the pathway for promoting financial inclusion among rural women is discussed. The article posits informal savings groups as a potential pathway to financial inclusion among rural women, by reviewing journal articles and grey literatures. The review shows that most rural women are participating in informal saving groups, but these saving groups are however faced with some challenges, such as limited income base, inability to receive remittance and vulnerability to theft. The pathway to financial inclusion among rural women discussed include, sensitizing these rural women through financial literacy, thereafter fostering informal saving groups which most rural women are already aware of their operations and thirdly, linking these groups to formal financial institutions. We conclude that informal saving groups have great potentials of accelerating financial inclusion among rural women, therefore Government should carry out financial literacy campaigns among rural women and policies that promote financial inclusion should be designed building on informal saving groups.

Financial Inclusion through Financial Literacy

2022 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 0-0
Keyword(s):  
Financial Literacy ◽  
Uttar Pradesh ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Financial Education ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Financial Inclusion ◽  
Financial Decisions ◽  
College Curriculum ◽  
Financial Exclusion ◽  
The Government

Financial literacy is a means to tackle the problem of financial exclusion. It is a combination of awareness, skills, knowledge, attitude and behaviors necessary to make sound financial decisions and achieve financial well being. Objective of this study is to analyze current policy, practices and evidences on financial literacy. The study has been carried out on the basis of review of literature and secondary data collected from a range of sources. It is found that the government of India, RBI and other regulatory bodies are running financial literacy campaigns through diverse mediums. Financial literacy centers (FLCs) are contributing for enhancement of financial literacy. However, they need to be strengthened by enhancing resources. Inclusion of financial education in school and college curriculum has also been recommended. Scope of the study is limited to Ghaziabad district of Uttar Pradesh in India. The study might be valuable for policymakers in enhancing financial inclusion.

Financial Literacy for Financial Inclusion Using Mobile Technology in India

2021 ◽  
pp. 637-650
Author(s):  
Smriti Ashish Pathak ◽  
Shreya Virani
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Technology ◽  
Financial Literacy ◽  
Digital Literacy ◽  
Financial Information ◽  
Financial Inclusion ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Rural Poor ◽  
Rural People ◽  
Good Opportunity ◽  
Related Information

According to the RBI governor, technology-enabled financial information will spread financial literacy in an efficient and secure manner. India needs inclusive growth to pull millions out of poverty and mobile phone penetration can be a good opportunity. Consumers are exposed to a plethora of financial products but the knowledge is either not there or limited to make judicious choices. The successful implementation of financial literacy services would benefit rural people but it is a challenge to all stakeholders today. One-hundred twenty-five people all over India were selected for a survey and results point that rural poor accept mobile technology for banking related information but do not want to adopt the technology. There are various challenges for financial literacy in India discussed in the chapter. Also, opportunities are many for digital literacy and can be achieved if the challenges are overcome. All the stakeholders should put in concerted efforts at all levels to achieve financial inclusion through mobile technology disruption.

scholarly journals Digital Financial Services: Prospects and Challenges

2021 ◽  
Vol 24 ◽  
pp. 1-25
Author(s):  
Martha Gertruida Van Niekerk ◽  
Nkgolodishe Hermit Phaladi
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Financial Institutions ◽  
Financial Literacy ◽  
Financial Services ◽  
Recognition System ◽  
Financial Inclusion ◽  
Market Abuse ◽  
Lack Of Information ◽  
Digital Identification ◽  
Verification Methods

Digital financial services (DFSs), being financial services accessed and delivered through digital channels, have grown rapidly in South Africa as well as globally. The adoption of the technology for DFSs has led to an increase in financial inclusion, enabling more individuals and businesses to have access to useful and affordable financial products and services, where payments, savings, credit, investment and insurance are included. Through the Financial Sector Regulation Act 9 of 2017 financial inclusion was statutorily enacted for the first time. The regulators are now empowered to insist that financial institutions take proactive steps to expand financial inclusion and can take the necessary steps to enforce these powers. One of the factors that have an influence on whether consumers will adopt DFSs is consumers' perspectives of DFSs. Lack of information and knowledge combined with the cost of data negatively influences the adoption of DFSs. The transfer of information to unbanked people in South Africa with regards to DFSs should be enhanced by the state as it strives to improve financial literacy. DFSs are susceptible to financial crimes like fraud, money laundering, terrorist financing, bribery, corruption and market abuse. The challenges that threaten the interests of customers should be addressed by stricter information verification methods when transacting with clients online. Technological detectors and digital identification should be used more effectively to verify customers and to alert authorities to suspicious transactions. Financial institutions might consider authenticating online transactions by thumb-print or a voice recognition system. This paper emphasises that because of the prospects of greater and deeper financial inclusion in South Africa, the use of DFSs has to be improved and developed and the challenges have to be constructively addressed to unleash the true potential thereof.

scholarly journals Financial Inclusion and Financial Literacy in Low Income Group in Emerging Economy

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 1001-1008
Author(s):  
Hina Affandi ◽  
Qaisar Ali Malik
Keyword(s):  
Financial Institutions ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Financial Literacy ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Financial Inclusion ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Street Vendors ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Financial Products ◽  
The Impact

Purpose: Financial institutions engage in performing imperative part in the economic development of an economy through circulation of funds that resulting in employment and fair distribution of limited resources. Financial literacy results in usage of financial product and services provided by financial institutions that lead to pervasive growth of an economy. Financial inclusion takes into loop the excluded segment of a developing country to attain the desired financial and economic outcomes. Recognizing the importance of financial inclusion, this study is executed to investigate the impact of financial literacy on financial inclusion in street vendors. Design/methodology/approach: This study was conducted in twin cities Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Snowball and purposive sampling technique has been used in this study. Primary data has been collected from street vendors through semi structure interviews and questionnaire. Participatory action research design is used in this study. Deductive approach has been used for qualitative data analysis. Findings: The results of this study found that street vendors only name financial institutions. They don’t have knowledge about financial products and services provided by those financial institutions. Because of inadequate knowledge, majority of the street vendors do not use financial products and services which are available to them. A very small number of street vendors are using financial products and services. The expected outcomes of this study set a direction for policy makers of financial institutions about how to increase financial inclusion by considering the observed relations in this study. Practical implications: The results will help policy makers in formulating effective strategies to bring into the net that excluded segment, which if included will not only improve their quality of life but also augment to the sustainability and growth of economy through financial inclusion. Originality/value: As suggested by the recent relevant literature, the study is an attempt to identify those antecedents of financial inclusion, which has not been explored earlier in context of Pakistan, to extend the earlier findings through qualitative research method and to establish how financial inclusion can be made a success in achieving its desired outcomes in a developing economy.

Integration of Waqf towards enhancing financial inclusion and socio-economic justice in Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 491-505
Author(s):  
Nurudeen Abubakar Zauro ◽  
Ram Al Jaffri Saad ◽  
Aidi Ahmi ◽  
Mohd Yahya Mohd Hussin
Keyword(s):  
World View ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Economic Justice ◽  
Financial Inclusion ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
Financial Exclusion ◽  
Conceptual Study ◽  
High Level

Purpose This paper aims to discuss the role of Waqf as a means of enhancing financial inclusion and socio-economic justice in Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach The methodology in this paper is that the data were elicited from secondary sources such as the Al-Qur’an, Hadiths and other empirical studies in the existing literature. The Tawhidi epistemology (Islamic world view) also has been obtained to deliver better understanding on the findings. Findings The paper implores Islamic societies to take advantages of integrating Waqf to support the financing needs of disadvantaged members of the Muslims communities, especially the Muslims, dominated northern Nigeria with a high level of financial exclusion. The Waqf funds if integrated and institutionalized will support the region by making the fewer privilege members of that community-engaged thereby economically and enhancing the financial inclusion. This will also lead to economic growth and socio-economic development of Nigeria. Practical implications The paper concludes by suggesting the establishment of Waqf funds to supports the less privileged people through Islamic Microfinance as means of enhancing socio-economic justice in Nigeria’s Muslims’ communities, which is negatively affected by the high rate of financial exclusion and poverty. This paper also provides critical suggestions on the ways the integration of Waqf funds will contribute significantly towards assisting Nigeria in achieving its vision of reducing the financial exclusion rate and may foster inclusive growth and sustainable development. Originality/value This paper is a conceptual study and, therefore, limited to the content of the existing literature. Hence, the future researchers may replicate and test it empirically for a more scientific justification regarding the roles of Waqf towards enhancing financial inclusion in Nigeria.

FINANCIAL LITERACY AND FINANCIAL INCLUSION EFFECTS ON STABILITY AND COMPETITIVENESS INDICATORS IN THE BANKING SECTOR: CROSS COUNTRY EVIDENCE FOR AFRICA AND THE WORLD

2021 ◽  
pp. 2150009
Author(s):  
JOÃO JUNGO ◽  
MARA MADALENO ◽  
ANABELA BOTELHO
Keyword(s):  
Credit Risk ◽  
Interest Rates ◽  
Financial Institutions ◽  
Financial Literacy ◽  
Financial Stability ◽  
Banking Sector ◽  
Financial Education ◽  
Financial Inclusion ◽  
The Stability ◽  
The Impact

Financial inclusion has allowed financial products with very high-interest rates and complex conditions to become increasingly affordable. Financial inclusion programs, which aim to reach all social strata, strongly expose financial institutions to risk and particularly credit risk. That said, additional interventions such as financial education of those included are needed. We aim to examine the impact of financial literacy and financial inclusion of households on bank performance. Specifically, we want to examine the impact of financial literacy on credit risk, competitiveness among banks and financial stability. The FGLS estimation results suggest that financial literacy and financial inclusion reduce credit risk and enhance the stability of banks, and regarding competitiveness, our results were inconclusive as they show different effects for each competitiveness indicator, although they point to improved competitiveness in some cases. This research allows policymakers to understand that individual financial attitudes can be reflected in the general welfare of financial institutions and encourages the intensification of programs aimed at improving household financial literacy.

scholarly journals A Legal Analysis of the Use of Innovative Technology in the Promotion of Financial Inclusion for Low-Income Earners in South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 24 ◽  
pp. 1-27
Author(s):  
Howard Chitimira ◽  
Phemelo Magau
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Financial Institutions ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Financial Services ◽  
Informal Settlements ◽  
Financial Inclusion ◽  
Innovative Technology ◽  
Financial Exclusion ◽  
The Government

The promotion of financial inclusion is important for the combating of financial exclusion in many countries, including South Africa. Nonetheless, most low-income earners living in rural areas and informal settlements are still struggling to gain access to basic financial products and financial services in South Africa. This status quo has been caused by a number of factors such as the absence of an adequate financial inclusion policy, the geographical remoteness of financial institutions to most low-income earners, rigid identity documentary requirements, a lack of access to reliable and affordable Internet connection by low-income earners living in informal settlements and rural areas, a lack of financial illiteracy, the high costs of financial services, unemployment and poverty, over-indebtedness, and cultural and psychological hindrances to low-income earners in South Africa. Consequently, these factors have somewhat limited the access to financial services offered by financial institutions to low-income earners living in rural areas and informal settlements. In many countries, including South Africa, the financial sector is relying on innovative technology, especially in banking institutions, to aid in the offering of financial services to their customers. It is against this background that this article discusses selected legal and related challenges affecting the regulation and use of innovative technology to promote financial inclusion for low-income earners in South Africa. The article further discusses possible measures that could be adopted by the government, financial institutions and other relevant regulatory bodies to promote the use of innovative technology to combat the financial exclusion of low-income earners in South Africa.

scholarly journals Financial Inclusion: Globally Important Determinants

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Peterson K. Ozili
Keyword(s):  
Financial Literacy ◽  
Credit Card ◽  
Belief Systems ◽  
Financial Inclusion ◽  
Technology Infrastructure ◽  
Bank Branches ◽  
Automated Teller Machines ◽  
Direct Legislation ◽  
Credit Card Usage ◽  
To Receive

Abstract This paper highlights the globally-important determinants of financial inclusion. The determi-nants identified in this paper are formal account ownership; demand for formal savings; demand for formal borrowing; financial literacy and education; debit and credit card usage; the need to receive remittances from family and friends; size of the financial system; number of automated teller machines (ATMs); number of bank branches; proximity to a bank; availability and access to mobile phones; availability of digital financial products and services; technology infrastructure; government policy; culture and traditional belief systems; national financial inclusion strategy and implementation; and direct legislation.

Nexus between financial literacy and financial inclusion

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (7) ◽  
pp. 1190-1212 ◽  
Author(s):  
George Okello Candiya Bongomin ◽  
John C. Munene ◽  
Joseph Mpeera Ntayi ◽  
Charles Akol Malinga
Keyword(s):  
Research Design ◽  
Financial Institutions ◽  
Interaction Effect ◽  
Financial Literacy ◽  
Financial Inclusion ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
The Poor ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose Premised on the argument that cognition structures the way how individuals think and make decisions, the purpose of this paper is to test the interaction effect of cognition in the relationship between financial literacy and financial inclusion of the poor in rural Uganda. Design/methodology/approach The study used cross-sectional research design and quantitative data were collected and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Baron and Kenny guidelines were adopted to test for existence of moderating effect of cognition in the relationship between financial literacy and financial inclusion of the poor in rural Uganda. Furthermore, ModGraph excel software was used to establish the magnitude of moderating effect of cognition in the relationship between financial literacy and financial inclusion of the poor in rural Uganda. Findings The results revealed that cognition significantly moderate the relationship between financial literacy and financial inclusion of the poor in rural Uganda. In addition, both cognition and financial literacy also have direct effects on financial inclusion of the poor in rural Uganda. Research limitations/implications The study adopted cross-sectional research design and data were collected by use of only questionnaires. Future studies through longitudinal research design may be employed. Besides, further studies using interviews may be adopted. Furthermore, this study collected data from only tier 3 financial institutions, thus, ignoring the other financial institutions. Future studies could focus on financial institutions under the other tiers. Practical implications The findings from the study enlightens policy-makers, managers of financial institutions, and financial inclusion advocates on the importance of cognition in enhancing financial literacy among the poor, especially in rural Uganda. Cognition combined with financial literacy helps the poor to make wise financial decisions and choices toward consuming financial services and products provided by formal financial institutions. This leads to increased scope of financial inclusion of the poor in rural Uganda. Therefore, advocates of financial literacy should assess community cultural cognition and utilize them to design and fashion effective financial literacy interventions that can promote financial inclusion. Originality/value The study uses Baron and Kenny and ModGraph excel software to test for the interaction effect of cognition in the relationship between financial literacy and financial inclusion of the poor in rural Uganda. While several studies exist worldwide on financial inclusion, this study is the first to test the interaction effect of cognition in the relationship between financial literacy and financial inclusion of the poor in rural areas in a developing country context.

scholarly journals Issues and Challenges of Financial Inclusion Among Low-Income Earners In Rural Areas of Malaysia

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (Special Issue) ◽  
pp. 277-299
Author(s):  
Salihah Sharizan ◽  
Nur Harena Redzuan ◽  
Romzie Rosman
Keyword(s):  
Financial Institutions ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Financial Literacy ◽  
Financial Services ◽  
Financial Education ◽  
Financial Inclusion ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Finance Industry

Financial inclusion (FI) appears to be one of the main global agendas as it is an essential way of reducing poverty and increasing the economic growth of a country. FI is the provision of financial services to all segments of society in a more convenient, quality, and affordable way. In this study, the authors analyzed the issues and challenges faced from the two perspectives of the Financial Institutions (FIs) and the rural B40 group concerning the way of pursuing the exclusive of FI. Primary data was collected by conducting semi-structured interviews with four expert bankers from the Financial Institutions (FIs) in Kuala Rompin, Pahang, and two representatives from the B40 customers in the rural areas of Pekan, Pahang, Malaysia. Based on the findings, barriers faced by the supply sides of the FIs include 1) high risk of cost and security, 2) barriers in communication and lack of financial education, and 3) lack of proof documents. The other challenges are 1) competition with the conventional institutions, 2) default risk due to non-payment, and 3) internet connection problem. On the demand side, the issues and challenges found include 1) lack of confidence, 2) lack of proof documents, 3) misuse of capital, and 4) lack of financial literacy. Henceforth, the findings have significant implications for the Islamic banking and finance industry in exploring the current barriers faced in delivering financial inclusion to the lower segment of the society in Malaysia.

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