Contribution of internal savings and lending scheme (ISALS) on household livelihoods in Bikita District

Abstract

The research sought to assess contribution of Internal Savings and Lending Schemes (ISALS) on household livelihoods in Bikita district. Rural people are known to have inferior livelihoods and they are facing the problem of reduced household livelihoods strategies and they cannot access basic facilities and services .Therefore; ISALS have been used as household livelihoods strategy on poverty eradication in many countries. The main objectives of this study were to examine the role played by ISALs on household livelihoods. The findings of this quantitative research revealed that ISALS have positive impacts on household livelihoods like improved access to household income, access to basic needs such as food, education, health, shelter, financial assets, quality of housing, as well as women empowerment. Generally, these results suggest that the ISAL model is both successful and sustainable. However, there are few challenges faced by the ISAL members like proper record keeping and market linkages.Suggestions for future studies on ISALS, more studies on a bigger scale with large sample size and population is recommended toshed more light on how internal savings and lending schemes can contribute to household livelihoods.