Table banking plus certified organic agriculture: an integrated microfinance approach to sustainable livelihoods

Abstract

ABSTRACT The understanding of integrated microfinance effects has been limited by variability in the sector and microfinance studied. While sectors ranged from health to agriculture and microfinance varied from special-licensed banks to non-governmental organizations; table banking plus organic agriculture received no research attention. This study analyzed the effects of table banking plus certified organic agriculture on sustainable livelihoods. Using propensity score matching, the study found that table banking plus certified organic agriculture increases social and financial capital, but reduces incomes and food consumption. Therefore, table banking plus certified organic agriculture increases livelihood capitals, but reduces livelihood outcomes.