Local digital lending development and the incidence of deprivation in Kenya

Abstract

AbstractIn the developing world, vulnerable communities often lack access to regular income sources to cope with unforeseen events. Recent advancements in financial technology have enabled microcredit to be delivered via digital platforms. Although digital credit may quicken remote access to consumer credit without the need for collateral, little is known about its contribution to the welfare of underserved communities. This study examines the effects of local digital lending development on deprivation and explores the implications of these effects on rural inhabitants. The results show a negative association between local digital lending development and food deprivation on one hand and health deprivation on the other. The evidence suggests that local digital lending development can reduce the probability of food and health deprivation. Furthermore, the evidence reveals that inhabitants of rural communities benefit more from digital lending development. This study recommends the decentralization of financial inclusion policies as a pathway to promote digital lending at the local level.