The impact of saving with mobile money transfer technology on the livelihoods of rural wage-earning women: a case study in Maragua District, Kenya.
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Date
2015
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Abstract
Information and communication technologies have been shown to potentially aid in
leveraging financial inclusion among low-income groups. This study investigates whether
mobile money transfer technologies can be utilised by women in an empowering way within
rural agricultural settings. Through a case study focusing on rural women in the agricultural
Kenyan context, the research explores whether the savings mechanism offered by mobile
money transfer technologies is being utilised. Guided by a qualitative research approach,
semi-structured interviews were conducted with 28 purposively selected women in the
Gakoigo sub-location in the Maragua district, of Central Province, Kenya, some of whom
used mobile money transfer technologies and others who did not. The Choice Framework
was applied to the findings gathered in order to provide an in-depth and holistic
understanding of how mobile money transfer technologies provided women engaged in rural
wage labour access to new financial options. The findings show that some of the choices
made by these women, including the usage of both formal and informal savings,
complements their current financial practice, as well as the achievements attained as a result
this choice. The study finds that although mobile money transfer technologies do benefit
women who make use of mobile savings, pre-existing policies have formed structures within
institutions and organisations which do not cater for the needs of rural women. For this
reason, these policies prevent women whose livelihoods depend on the agricultural sector
from exerting their full potential to use mobile phones as a saving tool. Informal methods of
saving, such as Rotating Service and Credit Associations therefore continue to be used as a
preferred method of saving amongst these rural Kenyan women.
Description
Masters in Development Studies. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College 2015.
Keywords
Electronic funds transfers--Kenya., Wage payment systems--Kenya., Electronic funds transfers--Equipment and supplies., Technology and women--Kenya., Savings accounts--Kenya., Theses--Development studies., Mobile money transfer technology., Maragua District.