Methods used in training microcredit borrowers by microfinance companies: a case of valueland financial solutions and investments in Lusaka district.
| dc.contributor.author | Mwape, Judith Chibwe | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2024-08-27T12:56:28Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2024-08-27T12:56:28Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2023 | |
| dc.description | Thesis of Masters of Education in Adult Education | |
| dc.description.abstract | Microcredit Institutions aim at providing financial services in limited amounts to low-income persons and small informal businesses in order to empower the citizenry and contribute to poverty alleviation. These institutions also provide training to microcredit borrowers. However, despite the training availed, there is a high dropout rate of borrowers from the same institutions. Hence, the purpose of this study was to explore methods of training used in imparting knowledge and skills to microcredit borrowers of Valueland Financial Solutions and Investments in Lusaka district. The objectives of the study were to explore the appropriateness of the methods of teaching used in training, and to examine the factors that influence the methods of teaching used. This research used a qualitative research approach and a case study design. Interview guides, (one for trainers and the other for trainees), document review and an observation checklist were used to collect data. The population comprised 5 trainers and 100 trainees. The total sample was 105. Interviews were held with all the 5 trainers. In the 5 classes comprising 20 trainees each, 5 trainees were purposely selected from each of the classes and interviewed. All the 5 classes were observed using an observation checklist. The data collected was analysed by identification of emerging themes. The findings of the study showed that the trainers used lecture, discussion and demonstration methods to train the microcredit borrowers. Of all the three methods of teaching lecture method was dominant. However, despite lecture method being used with the assistance of power point, it was perceived to have less influence on the learning process of trainees. All the interviewed trainees stated that lecture method failed to provide them with an understanding of what was being taught most of the time. It was established that the microcredit borrowers preferred discussion and demonstration methods of teaching. These methods of teaching were perceived to have more positive influence on the learning process of trainees than the lecture method, as seen by learners taking centre stage in their learning. The study findings also revealed that the main determinant of the choice of method of teaching was the time to be saved when that particular method of teaching was used, so that other engagements could be fulfilled like debt collection and field monitoring. The study recommended that Valueland Financial Solutions and Investments should facilitate training of its current trainers in teaching methods suited for adults and must deliberately include adult education teaching methods as one of the requirement those wishing to be trainers must possess. It should also have distinct days in a week for training only, and days for monitoring, debt collection and recruitment to allow ample time for training. This would ensure trainers use methods that promote exploration, creation, reflection, collaboration, connecting and sharing in order to enable trainees make meaning of the various information presented to them and hence avoid dropouts. Apart from loan management, Valueland Financial Solutions and Investment should include numeracy and book-keeping on its training programme. This would enable borrowers manage their businesses properly and help to wean them off successfully | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://dspace.unza.zm/handle/123456789/8826 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | The University of Zambia | |
| dc.title | Methods used in training microcredit borrowers by microfinance companies: a case of valueland financial solutions and investments in Lusaka district. | |
| dc.type | Thesis |