The impact of microfinance banks in stimulating the banking habit of rural dwellers in nigeria

Project Abstract

Microfinance banks have played a significant role in promoting financial inclusion and stimulating the banking habit among rural dwellers in Nigeria. This research aims to investigate the impact of microfinance banks in this regard. The study will utilize both qualitative and quantitative research methods to gather data from rural communities in Nigeria. The findings of this research will contribute to existing literature by providing insights into how microfinance banks have influenced the banking habits of rural dwellers. Understanding the impact of microfinance banks on financial inclusion is crucial for policymakers, financial institutions, and development practitioners to design effective strategies to enhance access to financial services in rural areas. The results of this study will highlight the importance of microfinance banks in providing financial services to underserved populations and promoting a savings culture among rural dwellers. By analyzing the behavior and attitudes of rural residents towards banking services, this research will offer valuable recommendations to improve the effectiveness of microfinance banks in stimulating the banking habit in Nigeria. Overall, this research will shed light on the role of microfinance banks in driving financial inclusion and fostering a savings culture among rural dwellers in Nigeria. The findings will have implications for policymakers, financial institutions, and development organizations seeking to enhance financial access and promote economic development in rural areas.

Project Overview

<p> </p><div><p><strong>INTRODUCTION</strong></p><p>The Central Bank of Nigeria in December 2005 published regulatory and supervisory framework for the regulation of microfinance banks and mandated all community banks operating in the country to submit to it plans for conversion latest by September 30th, 2006 and to finally convert latest 31stDecember, 2007.</p><p>The practice of microfinance banking in Nigeria is culturally rooted and dated bank to several centuries. The traditional microfinance institution provides access to credit for the rural and urban dwellers and low income earners. They are mainly of the informal Self Help Groups (SHGs) or Rotating Saving and Credit Associations (RSCA) types. Other providers of microfinance services includes saving collector and cooperative societies.</p><p>In order to enhance the flow of the financial services to the Nigeria rural areas, Government has in the past initiated a series of publicity financed micro credit progarmmes and policies targeted at the poor.</p><p><strong>1.1 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM</strong></p><p>This research work will basically treat the impact of microfinance banks in stimulating the banking habit of the rural dwellers in Nigeria.</p><p>Furthermore to look into the features of microfinance banking and how it stimulates the banking habit of the rural dwellers in Nigeria.</p><p><strong>1.2 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY</strong></p><p>The objectives of the study is to know the impact of microfinance banks on the banking habit of people in Nigeria and also to make recommendation on how such microfinance banks can improve their services so as stimulate the banking habit of the people in Nigeria especially those living in the rural parts of the country.</p><p>Also to know the rapid enhancement of the development of productive activities in the rural areas, hence, the improvement of the economic status of both the rural people and the promotion of the emergence of an effective and integrated national financial system that responds to the needs of the whole economy.</p><p><strong>1.3 STATEMENT OF HYPOTHESIS</strong></p><p>Hypothesis I</p><p>Ho: Microfinance banking does not enhance the development of banking habit</p><p>Hi: Microfinance banking enhance the development of banking habit.</p><p>Hypothesis II</p><p>Ho: Microfinance banks services are geared towards the peasants rural dwellers and small scale business with a view of developing the banking habit of people.</p><p>Hi: Microfinance banks servicesare geared towards the rich, urban dwellers and large scale business with a view of developing the bankinghabit of people.</p><p><strong>1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY</strong></p><p>The study has revealed the importance and the impact of microfinance banks on the banking habit of rural dwellers, most especially the contributions of Royal Trust Microfinance banks on the development of the banking habits of people in its environs.</p><p>The result of the study will be useful to the following:</p><p>i. Government: The result will be useful to the three tiers of government as well as the arms of government in formulating their respective policies as touching the monetary and economic policies.<br>ii. Communities: Local communities (towns and villages) will find the result of the project useful in the area of determination and creation of small scale community based employment opportunities for the dwellers.<br>iii. Individuals and Corporate Bodies: This set of people will find the result of the project useful in the area of mobilization of credit for smooth running of their businesses in the case of corporate bodies and in the area of building savings for self actualization.</p><p><strong>1.5 SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY</strong></p><p>This research is centered on the impact of microfinance banks in simulating the banking habit of rural dwellers in Nigeria. Royal Trust Microfinance Bank is used as a case study for the purpose of the research work.</p><p>This research wok has suffered some set back by ways of saving access to some vital information and documents. Also on the case of the research work, there is a financial problem faced before the completion of this research work.</p><p><strong>1.6 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE CASE STUDY</strong></p><p>Royal Trust Microfinance Bank was incorporated on February 21st, 1992 as Ifako / Iju Ishaga Community Bank. In the year of incorporation, the bank carried out community banking services. The services performed by the bank include opening of savings, time and demand deposit accounts and Ajo or Esusu daily contributions from market women or sole traders.</p><p>However, this name was changed to Royal Trust Community Bank Limited effective from July 31st, 2003 as a result of re-engineering and recapitalization processes by the new stakeholders.</p><p>The bank later changed to Royal Trust Microfinance Bank due to the recapitalization and restructuring of community banks to microfinance banks by the Central Bank of Nigeria. The corporate address of the bank is at 25, Agbdo Roa, Iju-Ishaga, Lagos.</p></div><h3></h3><br> <br><p></p>