Authors :
Emmanuel Fula
Volume/Issue :
Volume 8 - 2023, Issue 8 - August
Google Scholar :
https://bit.ly/3TmGbDi
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/mvb6pxu7
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8285207
Abstract :
This paper aimed to explore the impact of village banking on women’s livelihoods in Lusaka district. A qualitative
survey was conducted among 21 women, of which 12 were members of the village banking groups, and 9 were non-
members of any village banking group in the district. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics.
The results indicated that participation in village banking had a significant positive impact on women’s livelihoods in
Lusaka district. Women reported increased income from businesses, improved access to credit, and enhanced social
capital through networking with other group members. Additionally, women who participated in village banking reported
enhanced self-confidence and decision-making skills, which positively influenced their entrepreneurial activities. On the
other hand, women who never participated in village banking activities reported that lack of understanding rules
governing village banking, too many stories of thefts, prohibitive interest rates, and high risk of losing investment savings
due to dishonest members, are some of the reasons why they don’t feel like joining the village banking groups.
The study also found that participation in village banking provided women with a platform to voice out their
concerns and challenges, which were then addressed through collective action within their groups. This has led to the
development of community-driven solutions that enhanced the well-being and economic security of women and their
families.
All in all, this study underscores the importance of village banking as a strategy for empowering women and
promoting sustainable livelihoods in Lusaka district. This now calls for policymakers and development practitioners to
consider investing in similar initiatives that prioritize the economic integration of women, particularly in settings where
poverty and gender disparities are prevalent.
Keywords :
Village banking, women’s livelihoods, participation, well-being, economic security, Lusaka district.
This paper aimed to explore the impact of village banking on women’s livelihoods in Lusaka district. A qualitative
survey was conducted among 21 women, of which 12 were members of the village banking groups, and 9 were non-
members of any village banking group in the district. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics.
The results indicated that participation in village banking had a significant positive impact on women’s livelihoods in
Lusaka district. Women reported increased income from businesses, improved access to credit, and enhanced social
capital through networking with other group members. Additionally, women who participated in village banking reported
enhanced self-confidence and decision-making skills, which positively influenced their entrepreneurial activities. On the
other hand, women who never participated in village banking activities reported that lack of understanding rules
governing village banking, too many stories of thefts, prohibitive interest rates, and high risk of losing investment savings
due to dishonest members, are some of the reasons why they don’t feel like joining the village banking groups.
The study also found that participation in village banking provided women with a platform to voice out their
concerns and challenges, which were then addressed through collective action within their groups. This has led to the
development of community-driven solutions that enhanced the well-being and economic security of women and their
families.
All in all, this study underscores the importance of village banking as a strategy for empowering women and
promoting sustainable livelihoods in Lusaka district. This now calls for policymakers and development practitioners to
consider investing in similar initiatives that prioritize the economic integration of women, particularly in settings where
poverty and gender disparities are prevalent.
Keywords :
Village banking, women’s livelihoods, participation, well-being, economic security, Lusaka district.
