ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF MICROFINANCE SCHEMES TO MEET THE CHALLENGING NEEDS OF WOMEN IN HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT: SAGNARIGU MUNICIPALITY AS A CASE STUDY

Abstract

The role of microfinance institutions in the economy cannot be over emphasized. It cannot be disputed that microfinance institutions give the needed support to increase productivity among the targeted groups. This research work is aimed at assessing the impact of microfinance schemes to meet the challenging needs of women in human resource development in the Sagnarigu Municipality. The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional survey for this purpose and both simple random method (lottery or chance method) and purposive sample technique were used to achieve representativeness. Data sources in this study include primary and secondary data, and, questionnaire and interview guide were used to collect data from 55 respondents. The findings indicate that microfinance assists very poor families and communities with basic needs and protect households, communities and most especially women against risk and decision making. The study recommended that; the processing of the microfinance loans should be timely to enable women utilize the facility when it is most needed.