THE ROLE OF MICROFINANCE ON SOCIO- ECONOMIC STATUS IN TAIKKYI TOWNSHIP

This paper focuses on the role of microfinance on socioeconomic status in Taikkyi Township. The objective of the study is to identify the microfinance programs of selected villages in Taikkyi Township and to analyze the effect of microfinance on rural development of selected villages in Taikkyi Township. In this study, sample size is 179 respondents from Yin Taik Kwin Village and Yan Lone Naing Village were asked with a structured questionnaire. It is found that Mya Sein Yaung and Saemaul Undong Rural Development Projects are potentially working in the way of ensuring sustainable livelihood of the poor. Although Mya Sein Yaung project can improve individual development in Yan Lone Naing village, community development is still weak. Saemaul Undong project is better for both individual and community development because the Saemaul Undong team and village committee are good cooperation. It is recommended that Saemaul Undong Rural project should be extended the project period and should be considered in underdeveloped areas and increased the loan amount for rural development of the country