The role of mobile banking towards improvement of rural livelihoods in Kasulu district, Tanzania
Loading...
Date
2016
Authors
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