Impact of Microfinance Services on Living Standard in Bhirkot Municipality

Abstract

The study investigates the impact of microfinance services(MFs)on living standardof the people of Bhirkot municipality. All the people involved in microfinanceinstitutions in Bhirkot are the target population of the study.115samples of thecustomers were selected for the studyusing convenient sampling method. Descriptive,analyticaland correlationalresearch design hasbeen adopted to fulfill theobjectivesof the study. Mean, standard deviation, correlation and regression were used incarrying out analysis. The primary data is collected through structuredquestionnaires.The study is based on Likert scale questionnaireon the scale of 5 to 1.It is based on previous research article. Four indicatorsof living standard were identifiedand determined the impact of MFson those key indicators. From the results it is concluded that the MFs has asignificant positive relationship with household income, education, health andownership of household assets.Microfinance institutionsneed to focus on financialinnovation and new product design that can satisfy the need and improve the livingstandard of poor households. Moreover, NRB should formulate well-functioning andrealistic policies in order to enhance the contribution of microfinance industrytowards povertyalleviation.