Analyzing the Impact of Microfinance Banks Credit Variables on Micro, Small Enterprises Growth Indicators in South-West, Nigeria

Despite several reforms both in the banking and informal sectors; it is sad that there have been dwindling development in both sectors. In view of this, this study analyzed the impact of Microfinance Banks (MFBs) credit variables on Micro Small Enterprises (MSEs) growth indicators in South-West, Nigeria. Sampled MFBs, MSEs and some South-West States were purposively selected. Secondary data was extracted from financial statements of eight selected MFBs from 2007-2016 (10years). Relationship between MFBs variables and MSEs’ growth was analyzed using Correlation matrix, while extent at which MFBs variables influenced MSEs growth was analyzed using panel regression. Results showed the relationship between MFBs credit variables and MSEs’ growth with an average ‘r’ at 68.56% (p<0.05); and the extent at which MFBs credit variables influenced MSEs growth (p<0.05) such as profit, total asset, number of employee growth and sales with R2 were 61.4%, 58.3%, 48.1% and 52.1%, respectively. The study concluded that MFBs credit variables influenced MSEs growth. It was recommended that MFBs should moderately increase loan size in order to improve MSEs’ business operations. Keywords: Microfinance Banks, Micro Small Enterprises, Credit Variables, Growth indicators, South-West, Nigeria DOI: 10.7176/RJFA/11-12-06 Publication date:June 30th 2020