Micro finance as a tool to reach different poor population groups in Ghana

Samuel K. Annim, University of Cape Coast

Ghana, has about 40% of its population living on less than (¢2500 = $.0.25) a day (GLSS 4). This situation has been exacerbated by the spatial variation in both population growth trends and poverty situations across regions. Population growth between the last two census (1984 and 2000), showed an increase of 2.7%. In the northern zone where poverty is more endemic, population growth seem to be high. This situation calls for national concerns in identifying strategies to mitigate the adverse impact. This study will identify the extent to which varying micro-financing strategies have been able to reach varying levels poor people. The Micro-finance Poverty Assessment Tool (MPAT) will bring to fore the varying poverty levels of clients of the institutions and non-clients representing the general poverty situation in Ghana. It seeks to inform policy makers and donors the category (less poor and extremely poor) of poor people being reached.