THE ROLE OF MICROFINANCE BANKS IN THE ALLEVIATION OF POVERTY IN NIGERIA. ( A Case Study of Oha Microfinance Bank Ogui Road Branch, Enugu State)

ABSTRACT
This study explores the immense role of the microfinance banks in the alleviation of poverty in Nigeria. The researcher revealed that the rate at which rural dwellers deposit their money in their pillows rather than in microfinance banks is high. Data were collected through primary and secondary sources. As regarded to primary sources, questionnaires and interviewed were used. The chi-square (x²) method was used for testing of hypotheses. Responses to the questionnaires were analyzed using percentage method of analysis. Based on the findings of this study, an attempt on the role of microfinancing as stimulus to poverty alleviation in Nigeria may lack adequate knowledge of various financial transactions available and how the rural dwellers can access them. In conclusion, it hoped that the recommendation will help the microfinance banks to strengthen its weakness for better and effective services in order to achieve its sets of goals and socio-economic advancement for the alleviation of poverty in Nigeria.


TABLE OF CONTENT
Cover page---------------------------------------------------------------------------------i
Title page----------------------------------------------------------------------------------ii
Certification-------------------------------------------------------------------------------iii
Approval page-----------------------------------------------------------------------------iv
Dedication----------------------------------------------------------------------------------v
Acknowledgement------------------------------------------------------------------------vi
Abstract------------------------------------------------------------------------------------vii
Table of content---------------------------------------------------------------------------viii

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the study--------------------------------------------------------------1
1.2 Statement of problems----------------------------------------------------------------4
1.3 Objectives of the study----------------------------------------------------------------6
1.4 Research Hypothesis------------------------------------------------------------------6
1.5 Research questions--------------------------------------------------------------------7
1.6 Significance of the study--------------------------------------------------------------7
1.7 Scope of the study---------------------------------------------------------------------8
1.8 Limitations of the study--------------------------------------------------------------8

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Overview of microfinance activities in Nigeria-----------------------------------10
2.2 Justification for the establishment of microfinance institutions-------------16
2.3 Microfinance policies and goals---------------------------------------------------19
2.4 Contributions of government in alleviation of
poverty through establishment of microfinance banks-----------------------23
2.5 The rate at which rural dwellers are not able to repay
their loans---------------------------------------------------------------------------26
2.6 Supervision of microfinance banks------ ----------------------------------------28
2.7 Roles and responsibilities of stakeholders--------------------------------------30

CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Research Design---------------------------------------------------------------------33
3.2 Sources of data collection-----------------------------------------------------------33
3.3 Methods of data collection---------------------------------------------------------34
3.3.1 Primary data-------------------------------------------------------------------------34
3.3.2 Secondary data----------------------------------------------------------------------35
3.4 Determination of population size-------------------------------------------------35
3.5 Determination of sample size-----------------------------------------------------35
3.6 Sample procedures---------------------------------------------------------------36
3.7 Method of data analysis----------------------------------------------------------37
3.8 Decision rule-----------------------------------------------------------------------38

CHAPTER FOUR: DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
4.1 Data presentation-----------------------------------------------------------------39
4.2 Summary of responses-----------------------------------------------------------39
4.3 Test of hypothesis-----------------------------------------------------------------48

CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Summary of Findings--------------------------------------------------------------55
5.2 Conclusion--------------------------------------------------------------------------56
5.3 Recommendations-----------------------------------------------------------------56
BIBLIOGRAPHY-------------------------------------------------------------------58
APPENDIX A-----------------------------------------------------------------------60
APPENDIX B---------------------------------------------------------------------------61
APPENDIX C-