Impact of microfinance on household welfare: assessing the case of Samurdhi program in Sri Lanka
Loading...
Date
2012
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Household Income & Expenditure Survey (2006/07) data were used to estimate the impacts of ‘Samurdhi’ – the largest state-sponsored microfinance program in Sri Lanka – on the status of household income, health, education, and food and non-food consumption. Propensity Score Matching was used to minimize selection bias. Propensity scores were estimated using a Probit Model to match “treated” households with “control” group to identify the impacts. The results show that Samurdhi possesses a significant impact on household welfare on income, consumption and education, despite the inefficiencies and political interferences associated with distribution of intended services.
Description
Keywords
Household welfare, Propensity score matching, Samurdhi poverty alleviation program