Effects of village savings and loans associations (VSLA) on the livelihoods of rural women in Otuboi sub-county, Kalaki district.

Abstract

This study examines the influence of village savings on Women rural livelihoods in Eastern Uganda with focus in Otuboi.

The purpose of this study is to assess the effects of village savings and loans on rural women livelihoods outcomes among women. To Characterize the different households involved in VSLAs, to examine the effects of village savings and loans. on economic, social welfare outcomes among women in Kalaki.

The study has been carried out in Otuboi sub-county Kalaki district, Otuboi sub-county consists of five (05) parishes where the researcher purposively samples two (02) parishes.

The study used a cross-sectional case study like interviewing questionnaire. lt also employed a scientific model to determine the sample of the study which included respondents both VSLA leaders and the clients. Simple random and purposive sampling was used in order to get the respondents. Data used was from primary and secondary data sources. Validity and reliability of the study has been tested in-order to ensure the quality control of the information collected. The findings revealed the effects of VSLA loans to the livelihood of rural women welfare in Otuboi sub-county which in turns reduces poverty.

Majority of respondents (40%) were between- 31-40 wears, followed by (30%) were between 41-50 years, (20%) was at the age bracket of 18"30 years and (10%) are between 5.1. years and. above. Respondents between the age of 31-40- have more responsibilities and most of them are mothers with many children. Assets women had before the VSLA loans; Poultry as reported by 20%, utensils as reported by 25%, Radios as reported by 5%, Garden tools as reported by 12%, bedding as reported by 10% of the respondents, bicycle as reported by 6%, Cows as reported and Land as reported by 14%. Agriculture as reported by 50%, brewing local brew as. reported by 10%, selling cassava chips as reported by keeping local poultry as reported by 20%, going for casual labor as reported by 10% of the respondents and selling tomatoes, Omena with little capital as reported by 2%. Capital women had before VSLA loan less than 50,000 as reported by 65%, 50,000-500,000 as reported by 25%, 1,000,000 as reported by 10%.

Conclusively VSLA Loan, were the source of income for the rural women which enabled women expand their businesses and open businesses hence enabling them fight poverty, meet their home basic needs, acquire their assets, enable women to pay school fees of their children.