Economic impact of microfinance in Nepal: a case study of the Manamaiju Village Development Committee, Kathmandu
The concept of micro-credit was developed to mobilize small savings of poor people to create deposit, which may be accessible to unreachable and un-bankable poor, especially women. The study has highlighted that microfinance is an effective tool for bringing positive impact on the economic status of the respondents along with their family members. It has helped to generate extra income for their family and their own use. The extra income allows the respondents family to buy nutritious food, access to modern health care services and they can afford to send their children to the school. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ejdi.v15i1-2.11861 Economic Journal of Development Issues Vol. 15 & 16 No. 1-2 , pp. 36-49
Financial Hurdles in Small Business Enterprises in Kathmandu Valley
Small businesses are the backbone of the economy in developing 
countries like Nepal. In such circumstances, small-scale businesses are more 
appropriate ones in the process of the economic development of the nation. This 
study pursues to contribute to the experiential understanding of the important 
and financial hurdles in small business enterprises in Nepal. This paper is 
based on primary data which are collected from 403 entrepreneurs in small 
business enterprises. The survey shows more than ninety percent of respondents 
feel different factors constraining the financial aspect of small businesses 
while a negligible percent of respondents do not feel any challenges.
Women Entrepreneurship In West Africa: The Cowpea Street Food Sector In Niger And Ghana
Women entrepreneurship in the informal sector, such as street food vending, is important for poverty alleviation in West Africa. The street food sector provides employment for women and inexpensive and nutritious food for the urban poor. In this paper, we determine the importance of the cowpea street food sector, evaluate the determinants of successful enterprises and ascertain the impact of economic, cultural, religious and geographic differentials between enterprises in Niamey, Niger and Kumasi, Ghana. Data were collected through in-person interviews with 114 and 122 women street food entrepreneurs in both countries in 2009. Results revealed that women entrepreneurs engaged in the cowpea street food sector can earn incomes 4 times and 16 times higher than the minimum legal wage in Niamey and Kumasi, respectively. Incomes earned from these entrepreneurial activities contribute directly to health, education and needs of their families. OLS regression results indicate that lack of financial resources, stable business locations and religious beliefs are important entrepreneurial success factors. Cross-country comparisons revealed enterprises in Kumasi are larger and more successful than those in Niamey.