Socio-Demographic Factors Affecting Social Capital Development, Continuity and Sustainability Among Microfinance Adopting Households in Nyanga, Zimbabwe

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to investigate the socio-demographic factors affecting social capital development, continuity and sustainability among microfinance adopting households in Nyanga, Zimbabwe. The specific objective was to investigate the socio-demographic characteristics of the microfinance adopters. One hundred and forty-six respondents were purposely and randomly selected for questionnaire-based conducted interviews among members of the Kufusa Mari microfinance programme. The data were captured into an Excel spreadsheet and analysed through an SPSS program. The results were determined through a perception-based approach. Respondents were asked to identify the factors that would have impacted on their membership in the group. The results revealed that the majority of the respondents were older married Shona-speaking women who had attained secondary education, followed by those with primary and tertiary education. Ethnic identity, marital status, ownership of assets, social status in the community, political affiliation and religiosity would have major impact on social capital.

Key Words:

• Nyanga district
• political affiliation
• self-help
• sustainable development
• women

Acknowledgements

Special thanks to Professor Lucius Botes at the Centre for Development Support, University of the Free State, for efforts made in facilitating the publication of this paper.