The Contribution of the Village Saving and Loan Association to Women’s Economic Empowerment in Kasulu District, Tanzania

Abstract

The study assessed the contribution of the Village Saving and Loan Associations (VSLA) to women's economic empowerment in Kasulu District, Tanzania. Specifically, the study examined contributions of VSLA in enhancing productivity in food crop production. The study employed a cross-sectional design with mixed methods to obtain both quantitative and qualitative data from 102 women in Murufiti, Nyamidaho, and Kitagata who belonged to VSLA responding to structured questionnaires. Key informants, including community development officers and village leaders, were interviewed in-depth during the study. Quantitative data were analysed through descriptive statistical analysis with the aid of SPSS V26, while content analysis of qualitative data was conducted. Results demonstrate that women farmers who were part of VSLA witnessed major improvements in their agricultural production. The respondents who participated in VSLA showed improved maize cultivation results, as 74.5% generated between 500–1,000 kg yields before joining, but this changed to 61.8% after membership. After joining VSLA, the percentage of females who produced more than 1,000 kg of beans increased to 47.1%. The combination of financial assistance with training and improved farming resources aligned as the main elements leading to higher agricultural production. The study concludes that VSLA create heightened financial independence for women, alongside better household food security, along with various benefits for small-scale agriculture. More VSLA programs need expansion through governmental policies that integrate VSLA activities while offering additional technical and financial backing for optimal program success.