The role of mobile banking towards improvement of rural livelihoods in Kasulu district, Tanzania

Loading...
Thumbnail Image

Date

2016

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Sokoine University of Agriculture

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the role of mobile banking on improvement of rural livelihoods in Kasulu District. Kigoma Region. The study employed the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework. Specifically the study aimed at identifying segments of population using traditional financial services; identifying usage pattern of mobile banking services; identifying the types of transaction performed by mobile banking users and; examined the relationship between the use of mobile banking and improvement of rural livelihoods. Data was collected from a sample of 150 households and 9 key informants. Data analysis employed both descriptive and quantitative methods. The study found that majority of the rural households use mobile banking services to accomplish different livelihoods needs. The main financial services performed through mobile banking are savings, receiving and sending remittances, sending student fees and expenditures and buying airtime. Mobile banking variously contributes to improve rural livelihoods by replacing the need of financial services in rural areas. Mobile banking are highly valued for sending and receiving remittances, access to foods in households, ability to receive money, mobilization of money for social events, emergence and mobilization of money for health services, improved business status, reduced business cost, ability to send money and increases household income via savings. Mobile banking usage is however constrained by lack of awareness of services, no need for the services, difficulty to use and lack of mobile phone. Finally, the study recommends concerted efforts to increase access and usage of mobile banking services in rural areas for expanding access of financial services and sustainable rural livelihoods.

Description

Masters Dissertation

Keywords

Mobile banking, Rural livelihoods, Traditional financial services, Kasulu district, Tanzania

Citation