"Over the last 20 years, microfinance institutions have allowed significant increases in employment opportunities for the poor in developing countries. Additionally, a fair number of institutions have made financial self-sufficiency a priority in the quest to reduce poverty levels around the globe. Consequently, many individuals have questioned whether there is evidence supporting the positive effects microfinance allegedly has on individuals living in extreme poverty in African communities. In this article, we will discuss the notions of microfinance, review the contemporary research conducted on the impact of microfinance in Sub-Saharan Africa, and evaluate how certain issues with microfinance could be improved upon."
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