Abstract:
he functionality of the Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOS) sorely
depends to members’ savings. Specifically, this study aimed to determine SACCOS’
members saving capacity and to identify factors leading to low members’ savings. Ninety
SACCOS members were selected and used in this study. Data were collected using structured
questionnaire, checklist of interview and documentary review. The collected data was
analyzed descriptively whereby percentages and multiple responses analysis were computed.
The study findings revealed that SACCOS members in Kwimba District have low saving
capacity of below 10,000TZS per month. Among the revealed factors leading to low member
savings included; un-payment of interest to members’ savings, few sources of income among
members and lack of faith with SACCOS as a strong financial institution hence members
fear of losing their money when they consider depositing to SACCOS. Stiff competition from
other competitors that offer loans without savings was also among the factors leading to low
member savings. The study concludes that low member savings among SACCOS members
in Kwimba District is sorely associated with; demographic characteristics of individual
SACCOS member, SACCOS as an institution and external environment particularly
SACCOS competitors. The study recommends that; SACCOS management should work
upon the identified hindrances of low member savings in order to improve member savings
capacity and the entire functionability of the SACCOS in Rural Kwimba District. The study
as benefited the SACCOS management to strategize on how to increase members' savings
capacity hence improve liquidity and functionality of the entire SACCOS.
