Understanding Financial Inclusion of Individuals Engaged in Agriculture: Evidence from Upper-Middle-Income Balkan Economies

Emphasizing upper-middle-income Balkan Economies, this study focuses on the determinants of financial inclusion on a sample of individuals engaged in agriculture. Using logit estimations, we investigate socio-economic characteristics influencing financial inclusion, including owning a bank account and holding savings. Results reveal that individual characteristics, such as education, income, gender, and online payment usage are influential drivers. Financial inclusion is also impacted by economy-level variables including the share of agriculture in GDP and financial infrastructure density. The study underscores the importance of tailored policies to promote financial inclusion, particularly for vulnerable groups in agriculture-dependent economies.