Co-operative University of Kenya Journals
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Mediating Effect of Positioning Co-operatives on Post Covid-19 Economic Resilience Dilemma: Evidence from Deposit Taking SACCOs in Kenya
Full text linkIn 2019 China reported an upper infectious respiratory viral disease, Covid 19, which spread worldwide posing a unprecedented threat in the history of mankind. Whereas the economic impact including fatalities was high, in the recent months most affected economies are beginning to debate on the best robust approach of economic recovery. Although United Nations advocates forSocial Solidarity Economy (SSE), people have limited understanding about it. This paper contributes to debate about SEE by examining the mediating effect of Deposit Taking (DT) Savings and Credit Co-operative Societies (SACCOs) on the economic resilience dilemma. The commonwealth co-operative school of thought theory guided the study. The theory states that co-operatives are social-economic institutions started by people having a common bond so as to meet their social-economic problems. A sample of 175 DT SACCOs was purposively taken using descriptive research design. Secondary data was collected from SACCOs Societies Regulatory Authority (SASRA) database and reliability test ascertained by carrying out test retest of the instruments. Data were analyzed through binary logistic regression whereby independent variables were categorical while the dependent variable was binary. Findings indicated that SACCOs had a positive significant relationship on economic resilience. The p-values for the types of SACCOs Government, Teachers, Farmers, and Private and Community based and output on savings, income, employment, loans, deposits and assets tested were less than 0.05. It was concluded that the DT SACCOs had significant relationship with economic recovery. The study recommended economies to consider SACCOs form of SSE as vehicles for economic recovery
Co-operative Governance and Financial Performance of Irish Potato Farmers’ Co-operatives in Northern and Western Provinces, Rwanda
Full text linkFarmer co-operatives are considered the backbone of agricultural development and the main pillars in facilitating socio and economic development. However, their contribution is small in many countries due to governance problems. This paper investigated the effect of governance on financial performance among Irish potato farmers’ co-operatives (IPFCs). To address the objectives of the paper, data were collected from 32 primary co-operatives that had complied with audited financial reports in Northern and Western Provinces. Questionnaire, focus group discussions and key informant interviews were used to collect primary data. Secondary data from audited financial statements were collected to analyse selected co-operatives’ financial performance in terms of Return On Assets. Pearson correlation and multiple regression were used for data analysis. The results showed that members' participation, accountability, transparency, and leadership are significant factors contributing to the financial performance of IPFCs. However, the relationship between policy compliance on financial performance, co-operative structure and financial performance was not statistically significant. As revealed, most IPFCs experience poor leadership to run their co-operatives smoothly. Based on the findings, Rwanda Co-operative Agency (RCA) and other community development partners should organise ongoing capacity-building training for IPFCs’ leaders, to ensure self-governance and curtail the interference of local authorities within the administration of co-operatives under the pretext of reported mismanagement and poor leadership. This paper generates facts toinform IPFCs, community development partners, and policymakers about the major factors that can affect the financial performance of farmers’ co-operatives. In addition, the paper contributes to the literature by analysing governance practices that affect the financial performance of agricultural co-operatives in developing countries perspective
Perceived Impact of Microfinance Cooperatives on Women Empowerment: Application of Tobit Model
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An econometric analysis of Perceived Impact of Microfinance on Women Empowerment (PI) was conducted using the Tobit model. Capabilities are latent variables which cannot be directly observed and measured. However, functionings can be measured. Women empowerment is a capability enhancement process for women. In this study, several functionings are considered, namely, income, savings, amount of Household assets, amount of Productive assets, employment opportunities, power of decision making, confidence to face problems, better awareness, knowledge about banking operations, social status, level of education for children, nutrient and health of household, employability skills and participation in community activities. The study analysed the perceived impact of microfinance on women empowerment in Tsholotsho District. The investigation was based on a population of 2,233 microfinance cooperatives members in Tsholotsho District, Zimbabwe and assuming a 10% level of precision, a sample size of 100 respondents was derived using the Yamane’s approach. A majority of the microfinance cooperatives participants who were part of the representative sample indicate that microfinance improves their ability to meet functionings under study. Spouse income, Family business background, Household size, Birth order or position in the family of birth have a positive effect on microfinance participant's perception. The study recommends packaging of microfinance taking into account birth order and family business history effects in Tsholotsho and also spreading of informal microfinance models to other districts and provinces. Further studies are needed, namely, assessing the economic impacts of male folk migration to South Africa on women empowerment and general poverty alleviation in rural areas, especially Tsholotsho
Examination of Effects of Internal Procurement Processes on Performance of Dairy Producer Co-operative Societies in Kenya
Full text linkProcurement is the nerve center of performance in every institution and therefore requires adoption of a strict system. Kenyan dairy Co-operative societies lose about 4 billion shillings every year due to inflated procurement quotations and post–harvest losses brought about by inadequate facilities. Efficient integration of internal procurement processes can contribute greatly in eliminating these challenges but no Co-operative has strongly been able to integrate procurement processes in their systems. This study examines effects of internal procurement processes on performance of dairy producer Co-operative societies in Kenya. Specifically, it examines effect of requisition procedures on performance of dairy producer Co-operative societies in Kenya, to determine effect of ordering procedures on performance of dairy producer Co-operative societies in Kenya, and establish effect of inspection procedures on performance of dairy producer Co-operative societies in Kenya. A descriptive correlational design was adopted and target population comprised of 72 dairy producer co-operative societies involved in production and processing of dairy products in Kenya. Census technique was employed for sampling. A questionnaire was used as the main data collection instrument and were reviewed for validity and reliability through a pilot study. Data collected was analyzed through descriptive and regression methods. The study established that requisition procedures, ordering procedures and inspection procedures had significant positive relationship with performance of dairy producer co- operative societies in Kenya. Findings revealed that requisition procedures (p=0.001), ordering procedures (p=0.0041) and inspection procedures (p=0.0015) had significant positive effects on performance of dairy producer co-operative societies in Kenya. Therefore, the study recommends that for better performance of dairy producer Co-operative societies in Kenya, the co- operatives should integrate efficient requisition procedures, ordering and inspection procedures in their procurement functions
Husishwa: Enhancing Public Participation for Persons with Disabilities
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Effective participation can only be realized if citizens have access to information in a timely manner and through accessible formats. For Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), participation is limited by access to information and accessibility of public information. Further, physical participation spaces are not inclusive because of distance or availability of supporting measures such as Sign Language Interpreters or provision of materials in media such as Braille. In response, ADDA implemented a 2-year learning and sharing project using the Design Thinking Methodology in conjunction with Disabled Persons Organizations in Nairobi, Kajiado, Kitui, Nakuru, Makueni and Kwale to study and develop models that would contribute to increased participation of PWDs. The project sought to learn what County Governments and other public institutions can do to enhance participation of PWDs; and, what Persons with Disabilities can do to effectively participate in governance processes. ADDA developed and piloted Husishwa through a Social Design process. The project worked with a cohort of 150 PwDs and 100 County Government officials to develop this tool. Husishwa is a tool that offers a collaborative checklist against which County Governments track their efforts towards inclusion of PWDs; and a digital convergence platform between PwDs and County Governments, for accessing information and participating in County budgets, projects and programs through web based or SMS technology. After implementation, four County Governments undertook to put in place measures that promote participation of PwDs in governance. Further, six County Disability networks were established. It was concluded that Disability Social and Solidarity Economy organizations, can utilize digital technology to break the barriers that exclude PwDs from governance processes. Thus, Social and Solidarity Economy Organization and public institutions should embrace digital technology to democratize access to information and include PwDs in project design, delivery and feedback
Pastoralist Vulnerability to Climate Change: Implication on Approaches to Community Resilience Building in West Pokot County
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Climate change is a global concern that requires urgent interventions to ensure that it does not jeopardizes community livelihoods, ecosystems and sustainable development. Africa is one of the continents severely affected by impacts of climate change due to inadequacy of resources and capacity problems. In Kenya, ASAL counties like West Pokot are among those adversely affected in adapting to climate extremes, where climate change is modifying the pastoral culture and livelihoods. Increased environmental degradation, deforestation, agricultural activities and other development project that exacerbated emissions toxic gases to the Atmosphere. The study examined vulnerability of pastoralist community to impacts of climate change in West Pokot County, Kenya. Respondents were selected through random, purposive and strata sampling methods, and data collected by the use of questionnaires administered to 384 respondents, key informant interview and focused group discussion. Quantitative data analyzed using SPSS version 25; the study was anchored on vulnerability model. The study found that climate change extremes had increased, impacting negatively on community water sources and pasture. West Pokot pastoralist are exposed to effects of Climate change, with (59.5%), indicating high and low (13.3%) and they are characterized with low adaptive capacity due to low level of education, and poverty. The finding also indicated that livestock body conditions during climate extreme event shows that 71.4% are in deteriorating condition and 1.8% in good condition with poor markets. The frequent drought attributed to climate change is a threat to pastoralist community livelihood and water systems. In order to mitigate livestock disease problem, the study found that 45% and 10% preferred disease surveillance as a strategy. Strengthening pastoralist capacity on climate change adaptation is of important in reducing pastoralist vulnerability to climate shocks, through enhancing adaptation measures that counter negative impacts of climate variability to pastoralist. The study contributes in recommending on various pastoralist adaptation strategies
Mobile Banking Service Quality, Customer Perceived Value and Customer Retention in the Kenyan Banking Industry
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Covid-19 brought unprecedented global business disruptions and the business operational landscape has shifted drastically in recent months. This era is also characterized by high levels of competition and assertive customers who make stay or switch decisions guided by their quality and value perceptions. Evidence on effects of mobile banking service quality, customer perceived value and customer retention constructs in a single framework is limited. The study fills the gap. Specifically, this study examines the effect of mobile banking service quality and customer-perceived value on customer retention. It examines the mediating effect of customer perceived value on the relationship between mobile banking service quality and customer retention. The study is guided by the ‘leaky bucket theory’ of marketing and the MS- QUAL model. An explanatory research design was adopted, employing multistage sampling technique in collecting data from a sample of 400 consumers of mobile banking services drawn from universities in Nairobi County using a self- administered questionnaire. Data was analyzed and hypotheses tested using hierarchical and multiple regression models using Hayes Process macro. The study established that: mobile banking service quality (β= 0.565, p = 0. 000), perceived customer value (β= 0.363, p = 0.000), significantly affect customer retention. Additionally, the results show that customer perceived value mediates the relationship between mobile banking service quality and customer retention (β =. 193, CI = .127, .266). This study concludes that, customers will remain committed to patronize a bank whose services are of high quality and with a high value. The study contributes to knowledge by revealing customer perceived value mediates the relationship between mobile banking service quality and customer retention. Policy makers should proactively respond to sudden disruptions by developing quality assurance policies and devising value-centered strategies that enhances customer retention rates
Socio-Economic Factors Affecting Young Women Participation in Tea SACCOs Politics in Nyamira South Sub-County, Nyamira County, Kenya
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The Constitution of Kenya 2010, offers young women key entry points for engagement in political processes through elective and appointive positions in national, county governments and social organizations under the two thirds gender rule. In Nyamira County, various civil society organizations have been vocal through advocacy and training of young women for political participation. The principals of cooperative advocate for democracy and one man one vote women in the tea sector face myriad of challenges in vying for leadership position in the tea Sacco’s thus leading to gender inequality in the management and supervisory committees. The study therefore, sought to investigate socio-economic factors affecting the young women participation in tea Sacco’s politics. The study was informed by the radical feminist theory. Using a mixed methods research design, the target population of 7,392 registered tea growers in Sanganyi Tea Factory, Nyansiongo Tea Factory, Nyankoba Tea Factory, Kebirigo Tea Factory and Gianchore Tea Factory who are members of Nyamira Tea SACCO was interviewed. Stratified random sampling was used to select 110 participants from the five tea factories. All the factory managers in the five tea factory were included in the study as well as the county cooperative officer. Data was collected using questionnaires and key informant interviews. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics and while qualitative data was analysed following themes. The respondents ranked the major hindrance of women participation in tea Sacco politics as: lack of shares in the tea factory; lack of land ownership rights; fear to run against men counterparts; low level of education; gender roles and lack of experience in politics. The study therefore recommends affirmative action, advocacy and training of young women on their democratic rights
Influence of Income Generating Activities on Financial Sustainability of Churches. Case of Compassion International Church Partners in Kenya
Full text linkThe rising rate of collapsing initially donor funded income generating projects has escalated interest on sustainability. This study sought to establish influence of IGAs on financial sustainability of Compassion International Church Partners. The targeted population was 118 churches in four stratified program regions across Kenya. Proportionate stratification formula (nh = (Nh / N) * n) was engaged to select 91 churches from the four regions that had partnered with Compassion International –Kenya for at least 10 years. Data was collected online using a semi-structured questionnaire. Results revealed that churches are effective in communicating the IGAs (65%) and the plans for the economic activities they are involved in for sustainability. However, the ability to integrate income generating and fundraising processes into the existing financial and administrative structures was below average (40%). Correlation analysis revealed that contrary to people’s expectation, there was a significant negative correlation between financial sustainability and income generation activities (r=. -234, p<.05). Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that IGAs had insignificant predictive abilities for financial sustainability at 95% confidence, p>.05 (β=- 0.024, t=-.0289, p>.001) of the church partners. Results indicate high dependency on Compassion International funding which does not assure sustainability. The findings shall inform practice, rules, grant guidelines, local resource mobilization and government policy formulation
Reflection of Linear to Circular Economy: Relevance of Business Leadership and Economic Sustainability in Tanzania
Full text linkAs a new paradigm shift for economic development, the circular economy, has significant environmental, economic and social benefits. The aim of this paper is to reflect on a shift from linear to circular economy through literature review. Analysis of the circular economy concept reveals that it is a notion of replacing the linear economy in current production and consumption practices by reducing, reusing, and recycling products and materials in production, distribution and consumption processes. Promoting circularity aims to accomplish sustainable development, and the circular economy has links to many of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 12 “Sustainable Production and Consumption”. As Tanzania is moving towards industrialization, it is relevant that strong business leadership is required in the adoption of circular economy for economic sustainability and growth. There are challenges but also opportunities in the process of adopting circular economy. It is recommended that business leaders and policy makers should take charge of the situation of change