Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Microfinance banks play a crucial role in providing financial services to rural dwellers, especially in developing countries. This study aims to explore the contribution of microfinance banks to the economic well-being of rural dwellers. The research will investigate the impact of microfinance services on poverty alleviation, income generation, and overall economic empowerment of rural communities. The study will employ a mixed-methods approach, including surveys, interviews, and data analysis to gather comprehensive and in-depth information. The findings of this research are expected to shed light on the effectiveness of microfinance banks in improving the economic conditions of rural areas. Understanding the role of microfinance in rural development can provide valuable insights for policymakers, financial institutions, and development practitioners seeking to enhance financial inclusion and promote sustainable economic growth in rural communities. By examining the various financial services offered by microfinance banks and their impact on rural dwellers, this study will contribute to the existing literature on microfinance and rural development. Overall, this research seeks to highlight the significance of microfinance banks as key players in fostering economic well-being and financial inclusion in rural areas. The study will provide empirical evidence to support the argument that microfinance institutions are instrumental in providing access to financial services, promoting entrepreneurship, and empowering rural communities to break the cycle of poverty. The findings will also offer practical recommendations for improving the effectiveness and outreach of microfinance services in rural settings. In conclusion, this research will enhance our understanding of the role of microfinance banks in enhancing the economic well-being of rural dwellers. By analyzing the impact of microfinance services on poverty reduction and income generation in rural communities, this study aims to contribute to the ongoing discourse on financial inclusion and rural development. The findings will have implications for policy formulation, program design, and future research initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable economic growth and improving the quality of life for rural populations.

Thesis Overview

1.1 Background to the Study

The federal government of Nigeria in the 1990 budget speech decided to establish micro-finance in order to stretch its programme of grass-roots economic development. The aim of this study is to make a research on the contribution of microfinance banks to the economic well being of rural dwellers in Nigeria. The micro finance bank scheme which has started years ago received recognition as social economic venture designed to address poverty and aimed at motivating and encouraging the rural dwellers to improve their standard of living through proper use and management of resources generated in their communities.

Alheri microfinance bank was the first micro–finance bank in Kaduna State. The project took off in the country with a mandate from the presidency to improve the lost of people through credit facilities devoid of conventional banking bottle necks and its operating capital boss supplied by unfired community. This community provides the building for the operation and the management staff a well ass the board and the trustee. The idea is that when such collective money is given out as loans, there won’t be much difficult in recovering it back as at when due.

Micro finance bank has evolved as an economic development approach intended to benefit low income women and men in the rural areas. The term refers to the provision of financial services to low – income earners, including the self – employed. Financial services generally include savings and credit; however, some microfinance organizations also provide insurance and payment service. Microfinance banking is not simply banking, it is a development tool.

Micro finance activities usually involve:

- Small loans, typically for working capital.

- Informal appraisal of borrowers and investments.

- Collateral substitutes, such as group guarantees or compulsory savings.

- Access to repeat and longer loans, based on repayment performance

- Streamlined loan disbursement and monitoring

- Secure savings products

Although some Microfinance banks provide enterprise development services, such as skills training and health care, these are not generally included in the definition of micro finance.

Microfinance banks can be non governmental organizations savings and loan cooperation’s, credit unions, government banks, commercial banks, or non bank financial institutions. Micro finance bank clients are typically self employed low income entrepreneurs in both urban and rural areas. Clients are often traders, street vendors, small farmers, service providers (hairdressers, rickshaw drivers) and artisans and small procedures, such as blacksmiths and seamstress. Usually their activities provide a stable source of income (often from more than one activity). Although they are poor, they are generally not considered to be the poorest of the poor. Money lenders and relating savings and credit associations are informal microfinance providers and important sources of financial intermediation.

1.2 Objectives of the Study

The general objective of this study is to determine the contribution of microfinance bank to the economic wellbeing of rural dwellers:

i. To reveal the contribution of micro-finance banks on rural dwellers and benefit of Alheri microfinance Bank Limited, Kaduna to the people of Kaduna and its entire environment.

ii. To determine the extent to which accessibility to micro credit has increased the household income of rural dwellers in Kaduna metropolis.

iii. To examine the contribution of micro finance bank on asset acquisition and saving of rural dwellers in Kaduna.

1.3 Statement of the Problem  

The major problem necessitating this study arose from the Central Bank of Nigeria’s laws, regulation, supervision and central placed over the activities of micro finance banks which are:

i. These relive the micro finance and every micro finance bank is accepted with respect to their proper books of account and it must be submitted to the National Board not later than 28 days.    

ii. Another problem can be seen in its books and affairs because it is a fully fledged banks, it books and affairs are subject to continuous examinations by Central Bank working through natural board for micro finance banks.

iii. Equally, not later than four months after the end of its financial year, each micro finance bank must submit to the National Board and exhibit prominently to the view of all members of the micro finance banks balance sheet and profit and loss account

1.4   Statement of Research Hypothesis

The following hypotheses serve as a basis of the questions to be answered for the study.

Ho: There is a significant relationship between micro-finance bank and the economic development of rural of dweller.

H1: There is no significant relationship between micro-finance bank and the economic development of rural of dweller.

1.5 Scope of the Study

With available data on microfinance banking on rural dweller, the case study will focus its attention on the management system of Alheri Microfinance Bank Limited, Kaduna and suggest wages by which the micro-finance banking system can be improved.

1.6 Limitation of the Study

This research work shall be limited to the contribution of micro-finance banks to the economic wellbeing of rural dwellers. The following are the limitation that hinders the study of this research work;

· Financial Constraints: There are not enough funds to fuel the study of this research work. The researcher has access to a very little source of fund.

· Time Constraints: Due to the limited time available to carry out this research work, it is not possible to carry out the research extensively as anticipated by the researcher.

1.7   Definition of Terms

Micro Finance: A type of banking service that is provided to unemployed or low-income individuals or groups who would otherwise have no other means of gaining financial services. Ultimately, the goal of microfinance is to give low income people an opportunity to become self-sufficient by providing a means of saving money, borrowing money and insurance

Bank: A financial establishment that invests money deposited by customers, pays it out when required, makes loans at interest, and exchanges.

Rural: This means a characteristic of the countryside rather than the town.

Contribution: This refers to the something that is given in order to help achieve or provide something.

Rural Dwellers: These are people living in rural areas.