THE ROLE OF MICRO-FINANCE BANKS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF RURAL AREAS

ABSTRACT: The role of micro-finance banks in the development of rural areas using Oko Micro-Finance Bank 2004-2014. This study aim at describing the role of micro-finance banks in the development of rural areas. To this effect, a case study was used which is Oko Micro-Finance Bank 2004-2014. This study aim at unearthing the powerful strategy for alleviating poverty in general and rural poverty in developing country, to analyze the strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats of micro-finance institutions in the selected region, to access the problems encountered by micro-finance service consumers in the rural areas. To achieve this purpose, 4 (four) research questions were raised Vis: how does micro-finance institution operate in selected rural settling in the country? What are the problems encountered by micro-finance service consumers in the rural areas? What are strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of micro-finance institutions in the selected region? In addition, hypotheses were formulated to guide the study namely: Micro-Finance Banks helps in the development of rural areas. Oko Micro-Finance Bank is aimed at increasing the level of per-capital income of Oko-community in Anambra State. The researcher uses percentages respondents’ opinion. The researcher also made some Recommendations among which were: Micro-Finance Banks should involve themselves in the catchments areas. Because is the last hope of rural dwellers.