2026-09-26T02:16:35Zhttps://dspace.unza.zm/server/oai/request

oai:dspace.unza.zm:123456789/89882024-12-13T03:00:45Zcom_123456789_18col_123456789_77

Katowa, Vincent 2024-12-12T07:29:29Z 2024-12-12T07:29:29Z 2024 Thesis of Master in Development Studies. This study aimed to investigate the role of village banking in contributing to women's economic welfare in Kaunda Square Stage One. The research had three objectives: to establish the economic benefits that women gain from village banking, to determine the challenges that hinder village banking's contribution to women’s economic welfare, and to identify community strategies that can enhance the effectiveness of village banks in contributing to women's economic welfare. The study used mixed methods, and simple random sampling was used to select respondents interested or engaged in village banking activities. A total of 90 participants were selected, and data was collected through questionnaires and in-depth interviews. Qualitative data was analyzed using key themes, while quantitative data was analyzed descriptively by using percentages and frequencies/counts. The study found that village banking has a positive influence on the income levels of the participants. With the availability of income, participants were able to access medical services, and the right quantity and amount of food, engage in entrepreneurship activities, and keep their children in school, which improved their well-being. The study also found that challenges such as short payback periods, loan default, and improper record-keeping decreased the influence that village banking had on their well-being. However, the study found that by ensuring financial training, clear village banking rules and regulations, and regular meetings, village banking's contribution to the participant's welfare could be enhanced. The impact of village banking on the women of Kaunda Square Stage One cannot be overstated. By providing them with access to financial resources and credit, this initiative empowers them to establish or grow their own businesses, which in turn can lead to greater financial stability for themselves and their families. The study recommends that participants should prioritize their education and not just their children to ensure self-development. The study also encourages the government to provide support to village banking groups with vocational training in tailoring and hairdressing since participants lacked the expertise to sustain a profitable business over time. The paper further recommends that the government establish monitoring mechanisms to ensure that village banking groups adhere to responsible lending practices to reduce default rates and prevent the breakdown of village banking systems. The paper suggests conducting further research to explore the effects of village banking after the village banking cycle ends. https://dspace.unza.zm/handle/123456789/8988 en The University of Zambia Village banking and their influence on the welfare of women in Kaunda square stage one, Lusaka district. Thesis