Impact of Village Savings and Loan Associations on Food Security in Zimbabwe: A Case Study of Marange Community in Mutare District

Abstract

Objective: The study aimed at evaluating the impact of the Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) on food security. Methods: Guided by a pragmatist philosophy, the study applied mixed methods approach with an exploratory sequential design beginning with qualitative research phase. It explored the views of participants from four focus group discussions (FGDs) and seven key informant interviews (KIIs) to identify and specify variables to be measured through the second phase which was quantitative research. The quantitative phase used a household survey questionnaire to collect data from 204 respondents exclusive of participants of the first phase. Data from FGDs was analysed using NVivo, while One-Way ANOVA Test was used to analyze data from individual households. Results: The results showed that non-VSLAs members experience poor food availability and utilization throughout the year. Participation in VSLAs increased household food availability by 0.349 and utilization of food by 0.222, as evidenced by eating of balanced meal by household members. The results also indicated that participation in VSLAs led to better access to food, and stability of access, availability and utilization of food than non-VSLAs households. Conclusion: The findings suggest that there is a positive relationship between household’s participation in VSLAs and its food security.