This paper evaluates the impact of financial sector development on
poverty decomposed by gender, in rural Cameroon. Several works have
highlighted the impact that financial sector development could have on economic
growth and poverty reduction. The incorporation of gender considerations
in this paper helps to fine-tune the targeting of the effects. In this
regard, a decomposition of effects was undertaken, notably income growth
effects on male and female heads of household and inter-gender income
inequality effects. We arrive at the conclusion that financial sector development
produces a positive impact on income growth for both male and female
heads of household, and reduces inter-gender inequalities. However, the
impact on income growth and inequalities is non-linear. The paper further
concludes that financial sector development produces a positive but nonlinear
impact on gender inequality and poverty reduction in rural Cameroon.