Microfinance services have been implemented in various regions to support small-scale farmers, particularly women who often face unique challenges in accessing financial resources. A mixed-methods approach was employed, including pre- and post-microfinance intervention surveys with follow-up interviews. Data were collected from 150 randomly selected female farmers using structured questionnaires. Microfinance interventions significantly improved financial stability among the sampled female farmers (78% reported increased income), though challenges such as repayment difficulties persisted over time. The two-year follow-up revealed that while microfinance provided initial benefits, ongoing support and targeted assistance are essential to sustain these gains. Policy makers should consider extending financial literacy programmes alongside microfinance initiatives to enhance long-term success rates. Community-based interventions also show promise in addressing persistent challenges.
Ochieng et al. (Fri,) studied this question.