Co-operative Development and Management

Who wants to get involved? Determinants of Sanya Juu farmers’ willingness to invest in a dairy processing co-operative plant

2026-04-16T13:30:45Z

Who wants to get involved? Determinants of Sanya Juu farmers’ willingness to invest in a dairy processing co-operative plant Mataba, Lucas; Walsanga, Barnos Smallholder dairy farmers in Tanzania face persistent challenges in accessing formal markets and securing fair prices for their produce. Although cooperatives offer a promising platform for collective investment and market integration, actual financial participation remains uneven. This study explored what drives dairy farmers in Sanya Juu to invest—or not—in a proposed dairy processing cooperative. Drawing on the Theory of Planned Behavior, it examined how farmers’ belief in cooperative values, their financial literacy, and perceived benefits influence their investment decisions. A total of 150 dairy farmers, including both cooperative members and non-members, were surveyed using structured questionnaires. Key informants were used to collect qualitative data for triangulation of quantitative findings. Quantitative data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, t-tests, and binary logistic regression while qualitative data were thematically analyzed. The findings indicate that while 63.3% of all respondents expressed willingness to invest, a slightly higher proportion of non-members (67.2%) were willing compared to members (60.7%). Differences in belief in cooperative values between the two groups were generally insignificant, although non-members showed stronger conviction in integrity, while members placed more emphasis on solidarity. Binary Logistic regression analysis revealed that belief in self-help, self-responsibility, solidarity, and equity significantly influenced the willingness to invest. Demographic factors such as age, sex, and education had no meaningful predictive power. The study concludes that farmers’ internal commitment to cooperative values—rather than membership status or background—plays a decisive role in shaping their investment behavior. To encourage broader participation, cooperatives must foster transparent leadership and reinforce cooperative values through continuous education. Policy support should also prioritize inclusiveness and trust-building mechanisms to expand member and non-member engagement.

Unlocking saccos' potential through IOT to enhance efficiency, risk profiling, and member engagement

2026-04-16T13:30:24Z

Unlocking saccos' potential through IOT to enhance efficiency, risk profiling, and member engagement Payovela, Rodrick P.; Shao, Paul E.; Ngahemelwa, James B.; Magoti, Sarah N. Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations (SACCOS) underpin financial inclusion for underserved and rural communities, yet they struggle with service-delivery inefficiencies, weak member engagement, high loan-default risk, and opaque operations that fuel membership churn. As digital transformation sweeps the financial sector, Internet-of-Things (IoT) technologies have emerged as a promising catalyst for stronger SACCOS performance and sustainability. This study evaluates the feasibility and perceived value of IoT integration in SACCOS performance across Tanzania using a cross-sectional survey as the sole data collection method. Structured questionnaires were administered to 131 board members, managers, loan officers, and ordinary members across 10 SACCOS. Using multiple linear regression, the study assessed ten digital‐transformation predictors against overall SACCOS performance. The model demonstrated excellent fit (R = 0.990; R² = 0.980; Adjusted R² = 0.978; SE = 0.160; F(10, 120) = 578.320, p < 0.001). Statistically significant positive predictors included Perceived Organizational Support for Digital Transformation (B = 0.701, p < 0.001), Perceived Benefits of IoT Applications (B = 0.142, p = 0.008), Loan‐Repayment Alert System (B = 0.105, p = 0.006), Digital Record‐Keeping Implementation (B = 0.074, p = 0.020), Infrastructure and Technical Challenges (B = 0.082, p = 0.026), and Cybersecurity and Data Privacy (B = 0.113, p = 0.046). In contrast, Asset‐Tracking Beacon Deployment exhibited a negative association (B =–0.117, p = 0.010), suggesting premature or unsupported deployments that hinder performance. These findings imply that successful IoT integration in SACCOS requires more than procuring ICT devices, it depends critically on robust organizational backing, clear demonstration of practical benefits, comprehensive digital‐record processes, and strong security measures. The study recommends that, SACCOS must secure visible commitment from leadership on establishing ICT governance structures, allocating dedicated digital‐transformation budgets, and setting clear performance targets to ensure technology initiatives align with strategic goals. It is equally important to provide hands‐on training and change‐management support for both staff and members, ensuring that everyone adopt new IoT workflows confidently.

Financial literacy and members’ investment decisions.

2026-04-16T13:30:03Z

Financial literacy and members’ investment decisions. Msuya, Richard I.; John, NeemaLucy.; Ndosi, Regan J.; Temu, Karen A.; Nzungu, Restituta. Saving and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOS) play a crucial role in enhancing financial inclusion and mobilising savings for investment among Tanzanians. However, it remains unclear whether members’ financial literacy influences the effectiveness of their utilisation of SACCOS platforms for wealthbuilding investments. This study was guided by dual process and planned behaviour theory, which emphasises the importance of financial knowledge among members and examines how financial attitudes and behaviours affect SACCOS members' investment decisions. The study employed a cross-sectional research design, using purposive and simple random sampling to select 220 respondents. Primary and secondary data were collected through structured interviews, survey questionnaires, and documentary reviews. The data were analysed using the binary logistic regression model. The study found that financial knowledge and financial behaviour positively and significantly influence SACCOS members' investment decisions, while financial attitude has negative and insignificant effects. These findings emphasise the crucial role of financial education and prudent financial behaviours in enhancing investment decision-making within the cooperative context. It is concluded that financial literacy significantly influences members’ investment decisions. Therefore, the study recommends that Muungano Kikavu Chini SACCOS management maintain a focus on improving the financial knowledge of their members to increase investments in shares, deposits, savings, loans, and SACCOS projects, which directly contribute to enhanced financial inclusion. This can be achieved through financial literacy programmes, workshops, and seminars. Additionally, SACCOS should provide financial education and training programmes for their members and develop products and services tailored to the needs of members with varying levels of financial knowledge. Moreover, specific interventions, such as financial education and counselling, should target members whose financial habits may hinder their progress, assisting them in adopting practices that promote greater financial stability and inclusion. Keywords: Financial literacy, members’ investment decision, financial inclusion, SACCOS, Tanzania This is Research Article

Exploring the usage and adoption of financial technologies by saccos members:

2026-04-16T13:29:41Z

Exploring the usage and adoption of financial technologies by saccos members: Madila, Shadrack S. The adoption and usage of financial technologies (fintech) in Savings and Credit Cooperatives (SACCOS) have become increasingly relevant in enhancing financial inclusion and service delivery. However, there remains a gap in understanding how SACCOS members interact with these technologies, the factors influencing their adoption, and the challenges they face. This study explores the deployment of fintech in SACCOS, focusing on usage patterns, adoption drivers, and barriers among members. The study employing a mixed-methods research design, the study integrates qualitative insights from key informant interviews with quantitative data collected through structured surveys. The analysis is guided by the technology acceptance model (TAM), the study finds that all respondents they are aware of the fintech services provided by their SACCOS. Most of the fintech tools used by members are loan application tools, digital saving platforms as well as SMS notifications for transaction. Members face challenges like poor internet connectivity, high transactions cost and lack of trust in digital transactions. Majority of the SACCOS members are satisfied with the fintech tools they are using. Final the study recommends that the SACCOS management to educate members on the usage of fintech tools and to add more fintech tools to be used by members. This is Research Article