Investigating the effectiveness of microfinance on poverty alleviation in South Africa
- Authors: Muchemwa, Catherine
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Microfinance -- South Africa , Economic assistance, Domestic , Poverty -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65252 , vital:74074
- Description: This dissertation explores the role and effectiveness of microfinance in addressing poverty in South Africa. With a focus on the unique socio-economic landscape of the country, the study employs a mixed-methods approach to investigate the impact of microfinance interventions on poverty alleviation. The research encompasses a thorough review of existing literature, examining the theoretical foundations and empirical evidence surrounding microfinance and poverty reduction, from the perspective of microfinance practitioners. The research design incorporates quantitative analysis through surveys complemented by qualitative investigations through in-depth interviews. Loan officers, middle management and senior management were the target audience for questionnaires designed to elicit their opinions on the contribution of microfinance to the fight against poverty. This multifaceted approach aimed to provide a nuanced understanding of the contextual factors influencing the effectiveness of microfinance in poverty alleviation. Moreover, the study identified potential challenges and barriers that may hinder the success of microfinance initiatives in South Africa. The effectiveness of microfinance institutions (MFIs) in reducing poverty was examined by analysing how well the services of microfinance institutions matched the demands of those looking to reduce their poverty. The results point to a significant discrepancy between the services offered by MFIs and the particular requirements of the people seeking access to finance. Notwithstanding this finding, there is a general consensus that MFIs are essential to the advancement of financial inclusion. The findings of this dissertation are expected to contribute valuable insights to policymakers, practitioners, and scholars interested in the intersection of microfinance and poverty alleviation in the South African context. By critically evaluating the successes and limitations of existing microfinance programmes, the research aims to inform future policy decisions and strategic planning for sustainable poverty reduction initiatives. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
- Authors: Muchemwa, Catherine
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Microfinance -- South Africa , Economic assistance, Domestic , Poverty -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65252 , vital:74074
- Description: This dissertation explores the role and effectiveness of microfinance in addressing poverty in South Africa. With a focus on the unique socio-economic landscape of the country, the study employs a mixed-methods approach to investigate the impact of microfinance interventions on poverty alleviation. The research encompasses a thorough review of existing literature, examining the theoretical foundations and empirical evidence surrounding microfinance and poverty reduction, from the perspective of microfinance practitioners. The research design incorporates quantitative analysis through surveys complemented by qualitative investigations through in-depth interviews. Loan officers, middle management and senior management were the target audience for questionnaires designed to elicit their opinions on the contribution of microfinance to the fight against poverty. This multifaceted approach aimed to provide a nuanced understanding of the contextual factors influencing the effectiveness of microfinance in poverty alleviation. Moreover, the study identified potential challenges and barriers that may hinder the success of microfinance initiatives in South Africa. The effectiveness of microfinance institutions (MFIs) in reducing poverty was examined by analysing how well the services of microfinance institutions matched the demands of those looking to reduce their poverty. The results point to a significant discrepancy between the services offered by MFIs and the particular requirements of the people seeking access to finance. Notwithstanding this finding, there is a general consensus that MFIs are essential to the advancement of financial inclusion. The findings of this dissertation are expected to contribute valuable insights to policymakers, practitioners, and scholars interested in the intersection of microfinance and poverty alleviation in the South African context. By critically evaluating the successes and limitations of existing microfinance programmes, the research aims to inform future policy decisions and strategic planning for sustainable poverty reduction initiatives. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
Experiences of women street vendors in Nelson Mandela Bay and their livelihoods
- Authors: Mukamba, Adonia
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Street vendors -- South africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Women merchants -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Women -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54936 , vital:48502
- Description: Street vending forms an important source of livelihood for many households in developing countries where a substantial number of people struggles to access employment in the formal sector. Likewise, in South African urban areas, the trade has become an important mechanism to cope with rising poverty and unemployment levels been experienced, particularly in urban areas. This has a negative effect on women’s street vending livelihoods and well-being. The study looked at the experiences of women street vendors in Nelson Mandela Bay on their livelihoods. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of women engaged in street vending in NMB. In particular, it established women street vendors’ livelihood activities and factors that led them to engage in street vending. To achieve the research objectives, a mixed-methods approach was used. A case study conducted in the Korsten area of Nelson Mandela Bay was utilised to collect data on women street vending livelihoods and experiences. As a case study, a convergent mixed-methods design was adopted. Convenience, purposive, and snowballing sampling techniques were used to select street vendors and key informants for the study. The data collection tools used included administered questionnaire surveys, direct participant observation method, in-depth face-to-face interviews and key informant interviews. The study collected data from 23 street vendors and 3 key informants. A content analysis was used to analyse data. The study also adhered to ethics and ensured that reliability and validity issues were carefully considered throughout the research process. The study revealed livelihood diversification among women street vendors, which was attested by multiple street vending activities in which women were engaged. Interviews with street vendors revealed that a significant number of women’s decisions to engage in street vending were primarily motivated by push factors, where need rather than choice emerged in most discussions with them. Most importantly, the study found that women engaged in street vending were confronted with an array of positive and negative experiences, which both had influences on their livelihoods and wellbeing. Based on these findings, the study noted that the majority of women street vendors reported more on how their livelihoods were being affected negatively by street vending experiences. In this case, the researcher suggested possible inclusive strategies of improving women street vending experiences which might be taken into consideration. Suggestions included improving street vendors’ condition of work, providing improved basic services, providing vending permits, providing storage facilities, improving security and safety through regular policing of vending areas, and constructing public vending stalls for street vendors to use in their places of trade. , Thesis (MADS) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Mukamba, Adonia
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Street vendors -- South africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Women merchants -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Women -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54936 , vital:48502
- Description: Street vending forms an important source of livelihood for many households in developing countries where a substantial number of people struggles to access employment in the formal sector. Likewise, in South African urban areas, the trade has become an important mechanism to cope with rising poverty and unemployment levels been experienced, particularly in urban areas. This has a negative effect on women’s street vending livelihoods and well-being. The study looked at the experiences of women street vendors in Nelson Mandela Bay on their livelihoods. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of women engaged in street vending in NMB. In particular, it established women street vendors’ livelihood activities and factors that led them to engage in street vending. To achieve the research objectives, a mixed-methods approach was used. A case study conducted in the Korsten area of Nelson Mandela Bay was utilised to collect data on women street vending livelihoods and experiences. As a case study, a convergent mixed-methods design was adopted. Convenience, purposive, and snowballing sampling techniques were used to select street vendors and key informants for the study. The data collection tools used included administered questionnaire surveys, direct participant observation method, in-depth face-to-face interviews and key informant interviews. The study collected data from 23 street vendors and 3 key informants. A content analysis was used to analyse data. The study also adhered to ethics and ensured that reliability and validity issues were carefully considered throughout the research process. The study revealed livelihood diversification among women street vendors, which was attested by multiple street vending activities in which women were engaged. Interviews with street vendors revealed that a significant number of women’s decisions to engage in street vending were primarily motivated by push factors, where need rather than choice emerged in most discussions with them. Most importantly, the study found that women engaged in street vending were confronted with an array of positive and negative experiences, which both had influences on their livelihoods and wellbeing. Based on these findings, the study noted that the majority of women street vendors reported more on how their livelihoods were being affected negatively by street vending experiences. In this case, the researcher suggested possible inclusive strategies of improving women street vending experiences which might be taken into consideration. Suggestions included improving street vendors’ condition of work, providing improved basic services, providing vending permits, providing storage facilities, improving security and safety through regular policing of vending areas, and constructing public vending stalls for street vendors to use in their places of trade. , Thesis (MADS) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- «
- ‹
- 1
- ›
- »