ROLE OF SAVING AND CREDIT COOPERATIVES IN EMPOWERING PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES: THE CASE OF SHASHEMENE AND KUYERA

Abstract

This research looks to explore the effectiveness of saving and credit cooperatives in improving the social, psychological and economic situation of people with disabilities. The researcher distributed questionnaires to sample SACCOs members which is applied to gather information from individuals about economic, psychological and social status before and after being a member of saving and credit cooperatives. Focus group discussions is used to collect data from leaders of saving and credit cooperatives to examine the effectiveness of saving and credit cooperatives in empowering people with disabilities. The researcher found there is a significant improvement on economic, social and psychological status of PWDs after joining the SACCOs. The returned questionnaires and focus group discussions clearly pointed out PWDs empowerment and the improvement areas for SACCOs. The researcher gave some recommendations as to how the SACCOs can advance their current services.