The purpose of this paper is to carry out an empirical analysis of the link that exists between microfinance and poverty alleviation. The analysis is driven by literature searches on empirical works done by different researchers in different contexts. Qualitative research methodology was adopted, following a desktop approach. An empirical literature review took a centre stage in this investigation. An analysis of empirical works shows that microfinance enhances poverty alleviation despite the challenges such as the Indian Andhra Pradesh crisis. The paper is limited to a review of empirical sources of literature. A field survey, supported by an econometric analysis would have helped to generate robust results. This paper attempts to bring together the empirical works that were done in different contexts to shed light on the important relationship between microfinance and poverty. Many research works on microfinance depend upon personal anecdotes, thus this present paper attempts to compile the scattered empirical findings on microfinance and poverty alleviation.

Purpose – This paper discusses the effectiveness of EcoFarmer in Zimbabwe. The effectiveness of EcoFarmer still needs to be established because it is a new product that is hardly a month old. Research design, data, and methodology – The paper follows a qualitative research methodology and an exploratory approach to establish the effectiveness of EcoFarmer in the promotion of productivity in the agricultural sector in Zimbabwe. Using an Internet-based literature review, the paper explored the link that exists between Econet’s EcoFarmer program and agricultural development in Zimbabwe. Results – The findings are that the innovation promotes agricultural productivity. This is in line with what was established by Safaricom Foundation in Kenya. Conclusions – The paper used literature sources because the phenomenon is exploratory. This limitation could have been avoided by using a field survey. The paper shows that the EcoFarmer is an innovative project that was developed by Econet as a replication of the Kenyan program.

Purpose - This paper objectively analyzes the effects of globalization on Zimbabwe’s business and economic development using the Business in Context (BIC) model. Research design, data, and methodology - We employed a qualitative research methodology, following an exploratory secondary research design in this paper. Results - The findings reveal that businesses in Zimbabwe have benefited from globalization as it has drawn investments from international companies in the country. In addition, the business sector is benefiting from the economies of scale realized from the investments made by companies in Africa, East Asia, Europe, and America. However, we also discover that globalization has resulted in the proliferation of cheap sub-standard goods and services from East Asia, and has increased competition between indigenous companies and foreign-owned multinationals. Conclusion - Our findings suggest that globalization has both positive and negative effects on business and economic development in Africa in general, and Zimbabwe in particular. However, we note that the advantages, to a certain extent, outweigh the disadvantages. What, then, could be the way forward for Zimbabwe, in the face of globalization? As a solution, this paper recommends the development of a policy on global associations by the Zimbabwean government, to enhance business and economic development.