Microfinance is considered one of the most important financial tools for the inclusion of the informal sector of developing countries in global finance. However, its empirical implications on the...Show moreMicrofinance is considered one of the most important financial tools for the inclusion of the informal sector of developing countries in global finance. However, its empirical implications on the financial, economic and social level of society are often under-researched, especially in Cameroon, a developing country in West-Central Africa. Therefore, this thesis will show that the financialization of the informal economy, especially in Cameroon, undergoes three steps: firstly the financial one, in which communities living in informal economies are approached by financial institutions offering microcredit, secondly through the economic one, in which microcredit is invested in informal business activities to regulate and formalize them, and finally through the social one, in which the economic power gained through the enhanced businesses is reflected on an empowerment of under-promoted categories, and on an improvement in education and healthcare, given the increased accessibility of funds to afford them.Show less
This thesis examines the impact of multinational corporations in the (eastern) Democratic Republic of the Congo through the extractive industry and the arms trade. It mainly focuses on the eastern...Show moreThis thesis examines the impact of multinational corporations in the (eastern) Democratic Republic of the Congo through the extractive industry and the arms trade. It mainly focuses on the eastern DRC as this is where the bulk of the natural resources, activities of MNCs and perennial conflicts are found.Show less
Burkina Faso may face severe consequences of climate change. Extreme climate events are predicted to happen more often in the coming years due to global warming, which may affect issues such as...Show moreBurkina Faso may face severe consequences of climate change. Extreme climate events are predicted to happen more often in the coming years due to global warming, which may affect issues such as food security. This thesis examines the Mossi population in Burkina Faso, through the Sustainable Livelihood Framework, in order to understand the extent to which culture shapes the vulnerability of Burkinabé rural livelihoods to climate change. Mossi culture is intrinsically related to their resource management. Collectivism is strongly present in the Mossi population in Burkina Faso, expressed in the sharing of vital resources with all members of the household. Ethnographic research has identified the importance of human capital, natural capital and social capital for Mossi livelihoods. Both labour, food, water and land are influenced by social capital which, in turn, is shaped by the culture of collectivism and sharing. Thus, the Mossi are more focused on the well-being of the entire community than their individual well-being. Yet, within these households, inequality based on age and gender is still present, specifically women will be more vulnerable to climate change due to the power relations embedded in the culture, as their adaptive capacity to climate change is more negatively affected.Show less
Despite decades of extensive oil extraction, the inhabitants of the Niger Delta remain very poor. This thesis addresses this issue by questioning the role that Shell plays in the Niger Delta. In...Show moreDespite decades of extensive oil extraction, the inhabitants of the Niger Delta remain very poor. This thesis addresses this issue by questioning the role that Shell plays in the Niger Delta. In order to do so, Shell is related to five common negative practices of multinational presence: not taking care of the environment, social conditions and labour rights as well as contributing to corruption and conflict. After explaining the wider system of neocolonialism that Nigerian people are subjected to, it is stated that Shell is an active player in this system. Shell is involved with all five practices and this phenomenon is explained by referring to dependency theory and world-system theory.Show less
