Income characteristics and the use of microfinance services: evidence from economically active persons with disabilities

Abstract

The purpose of this empirical research from Uganda is to provide initial insight into the ‘black box’ of understanding the economic behaviour of persons with disabilities and about their use of microfinance services. First, we analyse the income levels of persons with disabilities in relation to their sources of income. Second, we study the income sources and income levels for different types of disabilities. Finally, we analyse how income level and income source relate to the use of microfinance services for persons with disabilities. We present evidence that farmers with disabilities and persons with visual impairments have lower income levels than other persons with disabilities. We then document that those with the lowest income levels have the least access to microfinance services, in particular services from formal institutions. Moreover, respondents involved in farming and manufacturing have less access to formal microfinance services than those involved in retail/wholesale or service activities.

Keywords:

• microfinance
• disability
• Uganda
• income characteristics
• economic activity

Acknowledgements

This research has been sponsored by the Norwegian Association of Disabled Persons (NAD). Roy Mersland has served as a consultant for the NAD and NUDIPU, the organisation providing the data used in this study.

Notes

1. See www.microcreditsummit.org.

2. See www.vsla.net.