Abstract
Microfinance has become a very important economic empowerment tool for reducing poverty
across the globe. The assumption is that by improving access to credit, poor households will
be able to set up micro enterprises that will generate income that is aimed at reducing poverty
both at household and community levels. Literature has shown that informal microfinance
models have become very popular with the rural population mainly due to their accessibility,
affordability and community involvement. The major objective of this study was therefore to
examine the role played by two microfinance models; ISAL and ROSCAs in reducing
poverty. The study used Wards 4 and 30 of Mutasa District, Manicaland Province as a case
study. ISAL and ROSCA participants and other key informants provided rich pooled data that
informed the study findings. The researcher’s utilisation of the mixed methods approach
provided strengths that offset the weaknesses of both qualitative and quantitative research.
The study findings revealed that these two informal microfinance models have a significant
positive impact on household poverty. Evidence of improved household income has been
shown through increased access to health and education, quality food, accumulation of
household and productive assets and livestock by participating households. The study has
recommended a holistic and coordinated approach by policy makers and all relevant
development practitioners that will create an enabling environment for informal microfinance
to register more positive impact both at household and community levels.
TARUGARIRA, D (2021). Impact of Rural Microfinance on Rural Poverty in Zimbabwe: The Case of Mutasa District – 2010 to 2012.. Afribary. Retrieved from https://afribary.com/works/impact-of-rural-microfinance-on-rural-poverty-in-zimbabwe-the-case-of-mutasa-district-2010-to-2012
TARUGARIRA, DORCAS "Impact of Rural Microfinance on Rural Poverty in Zimbabwe: The Case of Mutasa District – 2010 to 2012." Afribary. Afribary, 05 May. 2021, https://afribary.com/works/impact-of-rural-microfinance-on-rural-poverty-in-zimbabwe-the-case-of-mutasa-district-2010-to-2012. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.
TARUGARIRA, DORCAS . "Impact of Rural Microfinance on Rural Poverty in Zimbabwe: The Case of Mutasa District – 2010 to 2012.". Afribary, Afribary, 05 May. 2021. Web. 25 Nov. 2024. < https://afribary.com/works/impact-of-rural-microfinance-on-rural-poverty-in-zimbabwe-the-case-of-mutasa-district-2010-to-2012 >.
TARUGARIRA, DORCAS . "Impact of Rural Microfinance on Rural Poverty in Zimbabwe: The Case of Mutasa District – 2010 to 2012." Afribary (2021). Accessed November 25, 2024. https://afribary.com/works/impact-of-rural-microfinance-on-rural-poverty-in-zimbabwe-the-case-of-mutasa-district-2010-to-2012