Abstract:
This study investigated about factors affecting people with disabilities’ access to
microfinance services in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. The study used the case study design since
the study intended to draw conclusions for a specific community in the study area. Through
purposive and snowball sampling, the study involved four SACCOS and selected households
that had People with Disabilities. The study picked 50 People with Disabilities aged 15 years
and above (Members and nonmembers) and 7 SACCO’s employees. Data collection involved
a questionnaire and an interview schedule. The analysis of qualitative data took place through
the thematic approach. The researcher coded the quantitative data into the SPSS, which
determined the Relative Importance Index (RII), indicating factors affecting People with
Disabilities’ access to SACCO’s services. The findings lead to a conclusion that little or no
specific plans existed to cater for the needs of the People with Disabilities. Factors that majorly
affected People with Disabilities’ access to financial services related to either People with
Disabilities’ families or to the SACCOS’s administration. Family background, level of
education and type of disability directly related to the People with Disabilities’ families while
policy and legal conditions, limited SACCOS information and SACCOS publicity related to
the SACCOS administration. The study recommends that the SACCOS need to conduct
capacity-building and sensitization workshops toward People with Disabilities’ selfdetermination and critical decisions to engage actively into entrepreneurship activities. Furthermore, the SACCOS need to have friendly and welcoming policies that support specific
needs of People with Disabilities. Keyword: People with disabilities; microfinance institutions;
SACCOS; financial services
