Reciprocal relationship of social capital and microfinance activities in Nyanga, Zimbabwe

ABSTRACT

This article investigates the interactive reciprocal relationship of microfinance activities and social capital among members of the Kufusa Mari microfinance scheme in Nyanga, Zimbabwe. It reports on a study conducted among 146 randomly selected respondents, plus other participants selected for focus group discussions and key informant interviews. A reciprocal relationship between microfinance activities and social capital existed in this case study, but was found to be three-pronged, also involving developmental goals. The community should be encouraged to join the Kufusa Mari group scheme to promote self-initiated grassroots community development and advancement.

Cet article examine le rapport interactif réciproque entre les activités de microcrédit et le capital social parmi les participants au programme de microcrédit Kufusa Mari, dans la ville zimbabwéenne de Nyanga. Il rend compte d’une étude conduite parmi 146 répondants sélectionnés au hasard, ainsi que d’autres participants sélectionnés pour être inclus dans des groupes de discussion thématique et des entretiens avec des informateurs clés. Si cette étude de cas a montré qu’il existait bien un rapport réciproque entre les activités de microcrédit et le capital social, elle a aussi révélé que ce rapport reposait sur trois approches, impliquant également des objectifs de développement. La communauté doit être encouragée à rejoindre le plan de groupe Kufusa Mari afin de promouvoir le développement et les progrès spontanés d’une communauté de base.

El presente artículo examina la relación recíproca interactiva que se establece entre las actividades microfinancieras y el capital social y los integrantes del programa de microfinanzas Kufusa Mari en Nyanga, Zimbabue. Asimismo, da cuenta de un estudio realizado entre 146 personas seleccionadas aleatoriamente para ser encuestadas, y otros participantes escogidos para participar en diálogos realizados al interior de grupos de enfoque y en entrevistas como informantes clave. En este estudio de caso existía una relación recíproca entre las actividades de microfinanzas y el capital social, pero, además, se encontró la presencia de una tercera vertiente: los objetivos de desarrollo. El artículo concluye señalando que se debe alentar a la comunidad para que se afilie al programa grupal Kufusa Mari, con el fin de promover el desarrollo de base autónomo y lograr avances en la misma.

KEYWORDS:

• Labour and livelihoods – Microfinance
• Civil society
• Sub-Saharan Africa

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes on contributors

Mavhungu Abel Mafukata holds a PhD in development studies from the University of the Free State, South Africa. He is a former trade unionist and retired high school teacher, who currently researches mainly on rural development and African anthropology.

Grace Kancheya studied at the Centre for Development Support (CDS), University of the Free State, South Africa. She was formerly Chief Executive Officer at the Micro Bankers Trust in Zambia. Grace has passion in Community development advocacy and research - especially on microfinance and social capital.

Willie Dhlandhlara studied at the Centre for Development Support (CDS), University of the Free State, South Africa. Willie is an education consultant in Zimbabwe and also covers Malawi, Zambia, and Botswana. He holds Masters degrees in education and development studies, and was a high school teacher and principal in Zimbabwe for over twenty years. He has considerable experience managing NGOs as well as planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluating social programmes.