Rural Women's Experiences of Micro-Credit Schemes in Nigeria

This paper seeks to examine the perceptions and experiences of Nigerian Esan women who participated in Better Life for Women Program, a poverty alleviation program. Between January and June 1994, we conducted in-depth interviews with twenty members of two micro credit groups based in Ekpoma and Ubiaja. The data showed that the distance between their place of residence and the financial institutions, spouses' control over their income, the use of force and threat of prosecution by the government and financial institutions hindered regular loan repayments. The findings are indications that culture practices and expectations negatively impact on poverty alleviation programs.