The role of microfinance in local economic development (LED): A research study

Project Information

I am a graduate researcher in Local Economic Development (LED). I am currently working on a major research paper that is trying to understand microfinance activity and its role in local economic development through: 

Common microfinance literature is filled with popular topics such as: poverty reduction, women’s empowerment, effects to household income and slum upgrading. There are not many discussions on how microfinance activity impacts greater local economic development, nor how someone such as myself - a LED practitioner - can contribute to microfinance in the field. This research paper aims to fill a gap in microfinance knowledge.

About Me

My name is Andrew Bacchus. I am a graduate researcher at the University of Waterloo completing a (MAES) Local Economic Development. My research is trying to understand the impacts on local economic development related to and/ or originating from microfinance activity. 

Email contact: abacchus (at) uwaterloo.ca. My advisor is Olaf Weber. 

 

 

 

What is Local Economic Development (LED)?

LED means different things to different people. LED can include various initiatives. Some are specifically designed to help poor people directly. Some create support for economic growth in the municipality or district. Examples are:
 
• supporting micro enterprises (run by one or two persons)
• supporting small business development
• providing skill training
• encouraging domestic or foreign investment by providing infrastructure – like good roads, or reducing crime
• providing municipal services, such as transport, education or regulations, which support LED.
 
 (source: ASALGP, 2011 see: http://devplan.kzntl.gov.za/asalgp/resources/documents/asalgphandbooks/4-what-is-LED.htm).