Role of Microcredit in Improving the Food Security Status of the Rural Poor Women: Evidence from Bangladesh

Abstract

Purpose-The prime objective of this study was to assess the impact of microcredit on the household food consumption expenditure of the rural poor women in Bangladesh. Design/methodology/approach-Primary data was collected from the landless, marginal and small borrowers from Gazipur and Mymensingh districts of Bangladesh. The Simple Random Sampling (SRS) technique was used to select the samples. The Propensity Score Matching (PSM) technique was used to assess the impact of microcredit on the household food consumption expenditure. Binary logistic regression was used to assess the opinions of the borrowers about the role of microcredit in enhancing their food security status. Findings-This study showed that microcredit intervention made a significant contribution to increase the household food consumption expenditure of the borrowers. Originality/value- This study helps in formulation and smooth implementation of the food security programs for the rural poor women in developing countries. Keywords: microcredit, food security, poverty, women.