The contribution of village savings associations to the entrepreneurial development of rural women: a case study of selected savings schemes in Kimanya-Kyabakuza division

Abstract

Savings Associations have often been argued but not without controversy to be a tool for empowering women towards entrepreneurial development. Women make essential contributions to economic development, household income and ultimately household food security. However women have always suffered in adequate credit facilities weakening their role in entrepreneurial development. Women remain in an invisible workforce in global production where they dominate as house workers and temporary laborers. While their role in ensuring increased household income level and household food security is significant, it is hardly valued. Saving Association have positively contributed to the entrepreneurial development of women by putting funds to their reach. The purpose of the study was to determine the contribution of village Savings Associations to the entrepreneurial development of rural women in Kimanya-Kyabakuza Division. The study was guided by the following objectives. I) To assess the contribution of village Savings Associations to Entrepreneurial Skills Development of Rural Women. II) To examine the contribution of Village Savings Associations to the survival of small scale business run by women. III) To establish the influence of Village Savings Associations on standard living of rural women. The study findings reveal that the biggest portion of respondents were female at 84% and 54% of the respondents were divorced. The study further revealed that most respondent were involved in service business and VSA Credit was the major source of capital. The study concluded that Village Savings Associations greatly contribute to the entrepreneurial development rural women.