International Journal of Sub-Saharan African Research (IJSSAR)

Background: Women's economic empowerment is widely recognised as a critical driver of sustainable development, poverty reduction, and improved household welfare. Microfinance has emerged as an important strategy for enhancing women's access to financial resources, entrepreneurial opportunities, and income-generating activities. However, despite the expansion of microfinance institutions in Nigeria, many women in Jalingo Local Government Area of Taraba State continue to experience financial exclusion and limited economic opportunities.
Objective: This study examined the relationship between microfinance participation and women's economic empowerment in Jalingo Local Government Area, Taraba State, Nigeria.
Method: The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The target population comprised 68,321 women in Jalingo Local Government Area, based on the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey. A multistage sampling technique was employed to ensure adequate representation across the political wards, and a sample of 398 respondents was selected. Data were collected using a structured instrument titled Microfinance Participation and Women's Economic Empowerment Questionnaire (MPWEEQ). The instrument was validated by experts in Measurement and Evaluation and Sociology. A pilot study involving 50 women yielded Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficients ranging from 0.70 to 0.74, indicating acceptable internal consistency. The questionnaires were administered by the researcher with the assistance of two trained research assistants, resulting in a response rate of approximately 97%. Data were analysed using simple regression analysis at the 0.05 level of significance. Results: The findings revealed that participation in microfinance programmes had a statistically significant positive relationship with women's economic empowerment (p < 0.05). Access to microfinance services significantly improved women's income levels, financial security, business expansion, savings capacity, and participation in household and economic decision-making.
Conclusion: The study concludes that increased participation in microfinance programmes contributes significantly to women's economic empowerment in Jalingo Local Government Area. Improved access to financial services enables women to strengthen their livelihoods, increase their economic independence, and contribute more effectively to household and community development.
Unique Contribution: This study provides empirical evidence on the role of microfinance in promoting women's economic empowerment within the socio-economic context of Jalingo Local Government Area, Taraba State. The findings contribute to the growing body of knowledge on gender-inclusive financial development and offer practical insights for policymakers, development agencies, and microfinance institutions seeking to strengthen women's economic participation.
Key Recommendation: The study recommends expanding women's access to affordable and inclusive microfinance services alongside complementary interventions such as financial literacy programmes, entrepreneurship development, business mentoring, and market linkage initiatives. Government agencies, microfinance institutions, and development partners should collaborate to design gender-responsive financial policies that enhance women's economic opportunities and promote sustainable empowerment.