The design of a micro-finance programme in San communities in Western Botswana
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Authors
Dekker, Reinder Albertus
Issue Date
2009-08-25T10:49:03Z
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
The objective of this thesis is to examine the need for people and communities to develop
liquid assets through a savings programme and to work productively with these savings.
It had to be taken into consideration that at least some members of the population could be
considered non-monetary in their orientation. In order to achieve this objective a participatory
and culturally sensitive micro-finance programme was designed through an Action Research
methodology.
By combining mainly quantitative baseline information, detailed and more qualitative work
with some of the participants and routine output from the programme activities, the study
aimed to arrive at concrete conclusions concerning the way a micro-finance programme has
worked in San conununities and make recommendations regarding its future.
lt was found that the programme has made at least some of the participants more conversant
with the handling of cash and also contributed to increased self-respect. Developing liquid
assets was most difficult for the poorest participants and the majority of these poorest are
women. The San people are the poorest; even among other marginal rural minorities and
should receive special assistance.
The programme was moderately successful in helping participants to save towards larger
needs and to even out income flows. It could not be established whether the programme could
make a contribution to the development of long~term assets. Initiatives to establish microenterprises
with the capital met with only limited success.
The programme was not successful in establishing a savings programme as an alternative to
cattle farming and should rather be seen as a complementary strategy for increasing
household assets.
It was found that the emphasis on savings mobilisation, rather than the creation of debt
through credit was valid. Increased incomes will lead to increased indebtedness. A higher
influx of cash in a San community is likely to be unevenly spread and is also likely to
increase the gap between the wealthier and poorer community members.
It was concluded that projects that meet basic and immediate needs such as food, shelter and
housing, should be integrated with programmes that address larger needs such as loss of
culture and land. A process of empowerment cannot be supported when rural poverty is not
addressed.
Description
Citation
Dekker, Reinder Albertus (2009) The design of a micro-finance programme in San communities in Western Botswana, University of South Africa, Pretoria, <http://hdl.handle.net/10500/1037>