| dc.description.abstract | Village Savings and Loan Association, (VSLA) is a microcredit financial service program
which was launched in 1991 by CARE International. Today, the methodology has appealed
to most rural poor populations and Sub Saharan Africa inclusive. As a result several studies
have been and continue to be carried out to substantiate benefits accruing from participating
in VSLAs. And although literature indicates a positive relationship between VSLA
participation and poverty reduction, each study has its uniqueness and intensions. This study
therefore, intended to add to the vast information by assessing the contribution of one case of
KyabakaraKweyamba VSLA located in Kyabakara sub-county, Rubirizi –Uganda, in
reducing poverty among its members and their households, using both quantitative and
qualitative data from focus group discussions, key informants and household surveys. The
study uniqueness lies in its sample which involves VSLA members and then for triangulation
purposes their spouses are not left out. And for reliability purposes, local NGO leaders, local
and district administration and leadership are brought in the study. Focussing on poverty
reduction through asset building, welfare improvement, risks and emergency management;
the results suggest that participation in the VSLA has an overall positive effect on various
indicators of individual and household welfare. That is, on investment level in assets, incomegenerating
activities (IGAs), education expenses, access to health services, nutritional diet
and quality of housing and life. These are promising results given that the VSLA members
are self- reliant, without outside/donor hand outs. And the sense of ownership that ensues is
also significant for sustainability. More importantly, the VSLA model gives hope for the
financially excluded, and a foundation for other development programs targeting the rural
poor. | nb_NO |
