Factors influencing male participation in community-based microfinance programs: a case study of Catholic Relief Service in Rachuonyo and Malindi districts

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine factors that influence male participation in community managed micro finance programs in Malindi and Rachuonyo Disctricts. The objectives of this study were; to investigate the extent to which institutional strategies influence male participation in community managed micro finance programs; to determine how socio-cultural values influence male participation in community managed microfinance groups; and to determine the effect of formal financial services on male participation in community managed microfinance.

The research study employed a descriptive survey research that used multistage and random sampling methodology with the sampling frame being constructed from the CRS' database on Savings and Internal Lending Communities (SILC) in Rachuonyo and Malindi districts. The sample size was made up of 384 individuals drawn from 192 SILC groups, the target population was 1906 SILC groups comprising of 32205 members. Data collection was administered using questionnaires and individual in-depth interviews. Secondary data was gathered from literature review. Raw data was coded and analysed through SPSS. The study findings indicate that institutional strategies have an influence on male participation with the following revelations: The SILC training needs to be repackaged to encourage male participation since the study revealed that men had other commitments; the training duration was too long and lastly that men were represented by their spouses in SILC groups.

The study shows that men prefer larger social fund and savings contribution and larger loan disbursement. As for social funds, it was reported that men don't like sharing problems, they have alternative insurance schemes and that preempting emergency is forbidden. The loan duration was termed as being short and the interest (riba) being against the Koran and that it was high. It is evident that men felt the current groups were dominated by females and therefore had a preference for homogeneous groups and that Islam forbade mixing females and males.

The study confirms that social cultural values influences male participation. Based on the findings of the study it was recommended that: Policy makers and relevant Government ministries and civil society should deliberately lobby and advocate for gender inclusivity in rural finance programs; Institutions implementing CMMF need to repackage SILC to make it attractive to male participants. Prior to project implementation, feasibility studies on 'likely effects of socio cultural values on projects' should be carried out and integrated in projects. CMMF should consider linking with institutions providing external funding to boost loan fund and benefit from other aspects such as safe custody for members' cash.