CHAPTER ONE:

1.0 INTRODUCTION
This chapter gives a general summary of the proposed research, including its context, importance,
research questions, aims, and study scope. The chapter also describes the chapters, sections, and
headers that make up the organization of the study proposal.

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Zambia is one of the world's poorest nations, and poverty there is a major problem. The World Bank
estimates that in 2015, 58.7% of the population lived below the poverty level (World Bank, 2017).
Lack of access to necessities like food, clean water, and health care are among the characteristics of
poverty in Zambia. Malnutrition, which is common among children in Zambia, is one of the most
serious consequences of poverty. According to the Zambia Demographic and Health Survey con-
ducted in 2018, 13% of children under the age of five are underweight and 40% of children under
the age of five are stunted (Zambia Statistics Agency, 2019).
perpetuating the poverty cycle
In Zambia, women are disproportionately affected by poverty. Women are more likely to be poor,
have less access to healthcare and education, and experience gender-based violence. According to
the 2014 Zambia Demographic and Health Survey, 47% of women had suffered physical abuse,
while 15% had endured sexual abuse (UNDP, 2019).
One of the poorest districts in Zambia is located in the Western Province; it is called Shangombo.
According to a report published in 2015 by the Zambia Statistics Agency, Shangombo was one of
the province's poorest districts with a poverty rate of 78.8% (Zambia Statistics Agency, 2015).
The prevalence of poverty in Shangombo has led to numerous challenges for its residents. One of
the most significant challenges is a lack of access to basic needs, such as food, water, and health-
care. Many households in the district are unable to afford a balanced diet, leading to high levels of
malnutrition among children. According to a report by UNICEF, 52% of children under the age of
five in Shangombo are stunted, and 14% are underweight (UNICEF, 2018).
Another major issue in Shangombo is access to potable water. Due to the high prevalence of water-
borne diseases, many households rely on dangerous water sources, such as rivers and unprotected
wells. This problem is made worse by the district's inadequate healthcare infrastructure, which pre-
vents many residents from receiving treatment for ailments like waterborne illnesses and other medi-
cal disorders.
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Limited access to education is another issue that Shangombo inhabitants must deal with. Due to lack
of resources, many kids are compelled to quit school, which feeds the poverty cycle. Due to a lack
of fundamental resources and infrastructure in the schools, as well as frequently undertrained teach-
ers, the district's educational quality is also a cause for worry.

The district's remoteness and subpar road system, which restrict access to markets and employment
possibilities, exacerbate the problems that people of Shangombo already confront. Because of this, a
lot of households rely on subsistence farming, which is susceptible to changes in the weather and the
state of the market.

2.0 PROBLEM STATEMENT

· Identify the problem or gap in knowledge that the research aims to address.
· Explain how the study will contribute to the understanding of poverty eradication in Shang-
ombo district.
3.0 RESEARCH QUESTIONS/HYPOTHESES
· What is the impact of VSLAs on poverty eradication in the Boma area of Shangombo Dis-
trict?
· What are the challenges faced by VSLAs in promoting poverty eradication in the Boma area
of Shangombo District?
· How can VSLAs be strengthened to enhance their impact on poverty eradication in the
Boma area of Shangombo District?
4.0 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
1. To examine the impact of VSLAs on poverty eradication in the Boma area of Shangombo
District.
2. To identify the challenges faced by VSLAs in promoting poverty eradication in the Boma
area of Shangombo District.
3. To propose strategies for strengthening VSLAs to enhance their impact on poverty eradica-
tion in the Boma area of Shangombo District.
5.0 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The study on the influence of Village Savings and Lending Associations (VSLAs) on poverty eradi-
cation in the Boma area of Shangombo District is significant for several reasons:

2
 1. It will contribute to the body of knowledge on the effectiveness of VSLAs in promoting
poverty eradication. The study will provide insights into the impact of VSLAs on poverty
eradication in the Boma area of Shangombo District, which can inform poverty eradication
strategies in Zambia and other countries in sub-Saharan Africa.
2. The study will identify the challenges faced by VSLAs in promoting poverty eradication in
the Boma area. The findings can inform policymakers, development agencies, and other
stakeholders on the factors that hinder the effectiveness of VSLAs in promoting poverty
eradication.
3. The study will propose strategies for strengthening VSLAs to enhance their impact on
poverty eradication. The recommendations can inform policymakers, development agencies,
and other stakeholders on the interventions required to strengthen VSLAs to promote
poverty eradication.
4. The study can help to promote the development of VSLAs in the Boma area and other parts
of Shangombo District. The findings can encourage more communities to establish VSLAs,
which can promote financial inclusion and poverty eradication.
5. The study can also provide opportunities for future research on VSLAs and poverty eradica-
tion in other parts of Zambia and sub-Saharan Africa.
6.0 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
The Boma area of Zambia's Shangombo District is the only area covered by this study. The study's
main focus will be on the role that local VSLAs (Village Savings and Lending Associations) play in
reducing poverty. Several villages in the Boma region will be the study's target locations, both
VSLA members and non-members. The study will employ a mixed-methods approach to gather
quantitative and qualitative data in order to examine the contribution of VSLAs to the fight against
poverty, identify the obstacles they must overcome, and suggest ways to strengthen VSLAs in order
to increase their contribution to the cause. The study's conclusions and suggestions will only apply
to the Boma neighborhood in the Shangombo District of Zambia, and they might not be transferable
to other neighborhoods or districts in the country.

7.0 METHODOLOGY
In order to collect both quantitative and qualitative data for this project, a mixed-methods technique
will be used. In the Boma region of the Shangombo District, the study will be carried out in a num-
ber of communities. To gather quantitative information on the socioeconomic traits, savings, and
credit consumption of VSLA members, a survey will be administered to them. In order to gather
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qualitative information on the impact of VSLAs on the elimination of poverty and the difficulties
faced by VSLAs in supporting poverty eradication, focus groups with VSLA members and non-
members will also be organized. The study's participants will be chosen by means of a purposeful
sampling process, and data will be evaluated using content analysis and descriptive statistics.

9.0 DEFINITION OF TERMS

Financial services
Products and services offered by financial institutions, such as banks, credit unions, and microfi-
nance institutions, including loans, savings accounts, insurance, and other financial products.
Poverty reduction
The process of reducing the number of individuals or households living below the poverty line, typi-
cally through policies and programs that promote economic growth, social welfare, and develop-
ment.
Social welfare
A set of policies and programs designed to promote the well-being and security of individuals and
families, such as health care, education, housing, and social assistance.
Microcredit
Small loans provided to individuals or small businesses, typically without collateral or credit history,
often used for income-generating activities or other productive purposes.
Financial literacy
The knowledge and skills required to understand and manage personal finances, including budget-
ing, saving, investing, and borrowing.
Vulnerability
The state of being exposed to risks or uncertainties, such as poverty, illness, or natural disasters, of-
ten resulting from limited resources or social exclusion.
Poverty
A state of deprivation or lack of basic needs and resources, such as food, shelter, and income, that
prevent individuals or households from leading a decent standard of living.
Village Savings and Lending Associations (VSLAs)
Community-based financial institutions that provide access to credit, savings, and other financial
services to members who lack access to formal banking services.
Poverty eradication

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A global priority aimed at reducing and eliminating poverty through various social, economic, and
political measures.
Financial inclusion
A process of ensuring that individuals and households have access to affordable and appropriate fi-
nancial services, such as savings, credit, and insurance.
Social capital
The networks, norms, and trust that facilitate cooperation and collaboration among individuals and
groups.
Microfinance
Financial services, such as credit and savings, provided to individuals or small businesses who lack
access to formal banking services.
Gender empowerment
The process of increasing the ability and confidence of women to participate in decision-making, ac-
cess resources, and lead a more equitable and fulfilling life.

5
 CHAPTER TWO:
LITERATURE REVIEW
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The chapter two of the research proposal focuses on the literature review of the influence of village
savings and lending association (VSLA) on poverty eradication in Shangombo district. This chapter
will provide a comprehensive review of previous studies on VSLAs and their impact on poverty
eradication, the history and current status of VSLAs in Shangombo district, and the challenges and
opportunities faced by VSLAs in the district. The literature review will also define poverty, explain
its causes and effects, describe the concept of VSLAs and how they work, and explain the relation-
ship between VSLAs and poverty eradication. By the end of this chapter, the reader will have a clear
understanding of the existing knowledge on VSLAs and poverty eradication in Shangombo district,
which will inform the research questions/hypotheses and the objectives of the study.
2.0 THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
According to the UNDP (2018), poverty is a multifaceted notion that includes not having access to
necessities like food, housing, and healthcare as well as few possibilities for social interaction, job,
and education. Inadequate economic development, restricted access to goods and services, social
marginalization, and political unrest are only a few of the causes of poverty (World Bank, 2020).
Poverty has a wide range of negative outcomes, such as poor health, malnutrition, few opportunities
for education, a shorter life span, and less social mobility (UNDP, 2018).
The Social Capital Theory, which contends that a person's social networks and interactions may af-
fect their access to resources and opportunities, forms the foundation of the theoretical framework
for this study. Social capital is described as the "resources embedded in social networks and social
structures" (Putnam, 1995). As they offer a venue for people to come together and pool their re-
sources for the good of the group, VSLAs can be seen as a type of social capital.

According to social capital theory, VSLA-based networks and connections can open up new doors
for company growth and entrepreneurship as well as greater access to financial resources. By giving
people the tools to better their economic circumstances, this can in turn aid in the decrease of
poverty.
The theories of microfinance, social capital, and poverty alleviation are all incorporated into the
study's theoretical framework. Microfinance is the term used to describe the distribution of financial
services, such as loans and savings, to low-income households or people who are typically shut out

6
of the mainstream banking system. By enabling low-income households to access financial services,
grow their income, and accumulate assets, microfinance has been proved to aid in the eradication of
poverty.

The resources that people and communities may access through their social interactions are referred
to as social capital. These resources include knowledge, trust, and networks. It has been discovered
that social capital aids in the alleviation of poverty by giving people a forum to exchange informa-
tion, resources, and skills and by empowering groups of people to cooperate to achieve shared ob-
jectives.

By raising the low-income population's living standards, poverty can be decreased or even elimin-
ated. Increasing access to jobs, healthcare, and educational opportunities, as well as offering social
protection programs to vulnerable populations, are just a few of the many ways that may be used to
reduce poverty.

The conceptual framework for this study is based on the following assumptions:
· VSLAs have the potential to reduce poverty in Shangombo district by providing access to
financial resources and opportunities for business development and entrepreneurship.
· The success of VSLAs in poverty eradication is dependent on factors such as good gov-
ernance, effective management, and access to markets.
· The impact of VSLAs on poverty reduction can be measured through indicators such as in-
creased income, improved livelihoods, and enhanced social networks.

The conceptual framework demonstrates the connection between VSLAs and the elimination of
poverty in the Shangombo district, stressing the critical elements that can affect VSLAs' ability to do
so. The study's research questions and hypotheses can be based on this information as well.

The theoretical underpinning of this study suggests that VSLAs could aid in the alleviation of
poverty in the Shangombo district by facilitating access to social capital and financial services that
might improve social networks and revenue production. Improvements in livelihoods and a decrease
in poverty may follow from this.

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Village savings and lending associations (VSLAs) are self-help organizations that give members ac-
cess to financial services that would not be provided by conventional banking systems, including the
ability to save money, lend to one another, and borrow money from them (CGAP, 2020). VSLAs are
often created by community members who make small financial contributions to savings accounts
that are subsequently utilized to lend money to members who require it for income-generating ven-
tures (Otero et al., 2006). Members themselves run VSLAs, and decision-making is democratic and
open.
Previous research has demonstrated that VSLAs have the ability to eradicate poverty in a number of
ways. To give one example, according to Sebstad and Chen (2010), VSLAs can act as a social safety
net for members who experience unforeseen costs or economic shocks. VSLAs can aid members in
investing in income-producing ventures and gradually accumulating assets by granting access to fin-
ancing (CGAP, 2020). Additionally, according to Duncombe and Heeks (2002), VSLAs can support
other efforts to reduce poverty by strengthening community networks and contributing to the devel-
opment of social capital.

3.0 CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK.

The conceptual framework for this study proposes that poverty is a multidimensional problem that is
affected by various factors such as lack of access to financial services, limited social networks, and
poor governance. Village savings and lending associations (VSLAs) are community-based organiza-
tions that provide access to financial services and social capital to their members. VSLAs may help
to address some of the factors that contribute to poverty by providing a platform for members to
save, access credit, and build social capital.
According to the conceptual framework for this study, VSLAs may promote financial inclusion, so-
cial networks, and gender empowerment in Shangombo district, hence aiding in the elimination of
poverty there. By giving more people access to savings and credit options, we can boost financial in-
clusion and provide people the chance to start or grow their own enterprises, earn more money, and
live better. The regular gatherings and interactions that take place inside VSLAs may develop social
networks by giving members a forum to exchange resources, knowledge, and skills. Women's par-
ticipation in VSLAs, which might provide them a feeling of community, decision-making authority,
and access to financial resources, may boost gender empowerment.

8
4.0 STRUCTURE OF VSLAS
The VSLA structure is built on the principles of trust and cooperation among its members. Members
often come from the same community or have a common bond, which further strengthens the
group's cohesion. The regular meetings and contributions create a sense of accountability and own-
ership among members, which is vital for the success of the group.

One of the key benefits of the VSLA structure is its simplicity and flexibility. The structure can be
adapted to fit the specific needs and context of the community. For example, some VSLAs may
choose to specialize in certain types of businesses or industries, while others may focus on providing
loans for household needs.

The VSLA structure also provides opportunities for capacity building and skills development. Mem-
bers can learn from each other and from external trainers on topics such as financial management,
entrepreneurship, and leadership. This helps to empower members to take control of their finances
and to become more active participants in their communities.

In summary, the structure of a VSLA is designed to promote transparency, accountability, and mu-
tual support among its members. The simple yet effective structure has been proven to be successful
in promoting financial inclusion and poverty reduction in many communities around the world.
5.0 PREVIOUS STUDIES ON VSLAS AND POVERTY ERADICATION
Many studies have looked at how VSLAs affect efforts to eradicate poverty in developing nations
like Zambia. VSLAs have the ability to increase financial inclusion, increase access to credit, and
empower women in rural areas, according to a review of the research (Bastiaensen et al., 2018; Mat-
sumoto et al., 2017). However, the effectiveness of VSLAs can vary depending on the context and
can be influenced by a number of variables, such as governance, sustainability, and access to finan-
cial services.
The effect of VSLAs on women's emancipation in rural Mali was investigated by Guerin et al. in a
2013 research. The study discovered that VSLAs helped women become economically independent
by enabling them to launch small companies and enhance their standard of living. In a separate in-
vestigation conducted in Nigeria by Oyelaran-Oyeyinka et al. (2019), it was discovered that VSLAs
were successful in enhancing loan availability and financial inclusion, particularly for women.

9
In Zambia, VSLAs had a favorable effect on household income and food security among members
in rural regions, according to a 2015 research by Mumbi and Lwiindi. However, Shangombo district
was not given special attention in the study, which included a sample of VSLAs from different parts
of the nation. Similar findings were made by Chirwa and Matita (2018) in their research in Malawi,
where they discovered that VSLAs, particularly in rural regions, had a good influence on reducing
poverty and empowering women.
The obstacles and restrictions associated with VSLAs have been noted, despite the potential advant-
ages. The governance of VSLAs, for instance, might be difficult due to problems with group dynam-
ics, dispute resolution, and transparency, according to a Bastiaensen et al. (2018) research conducted
in Ethiopia. Similar findings were made by FSD Zambia in their 2019 research, which revealed that
VSLAs in Zambia had substantial issues with sustainability and access to financial services.

6.0 VSLAS IN SHANGOMBO DISTRICT

As a method of eradicating poverty, Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs) are becoming
more and more well-liked in the Shangombo area. In order to improve rural communities' access to
financing, VSLAs were implemented in the district in 2010, according to the Citizens Economic
Empowerment Commission (CEEC) (CEEC, 2019). Over 200 organizations are currently listed with
the CEEC as being a part of the district's VSLAs, which have increased since then (CEEC, 2019).

In the Shangombo area, VSLAs function on a self-help model. Members pay a predetermined sum
into a communal fund on a regular basis, usually once a week or once a month. Loans are made to
members using donations, and they must be returned with interest. As savings or dividends, the
members receive the interest that has been earned. Women make up a large portion of the VSLA
members in the district, and they frequently utilize the loans to fund home expenses, establish or
grow small companies, or cover child-related expenses.

In Shangombo area, VSLAs have had a substantial influence on eradicating poverty. In a 2015 re-
search by Mumbi and Lwiindi, it was discovered that VSLAs had a favorable effect on rural fami-
lies' food security and income levels in a few districts of Zambia, including Shangombo. According
to the study, families participating in VSLAs had higher average incomes and were more likely to
have access to enough food than those not participating in VSLAs. Similar findings were made by
Chirwa and Matita (2018), who discovered that VSLAs in Malawi had a beneficial effect on

10
women's empowerment and poverty reduction. They discovered that VSLA participants had better
earnings, were more likely to possess productive assets, and had more clout in their homes.

While VSLAs have had a largely positive effect on the reduction of poverty in the Shangombo dis-
trict, there are also obstacles and restrictions to their efficacy. For instance, access to VSLAs is
sometimes restricted to those who can afford to make monthly payments, which might leave out the
most disadvantaged and vulnerable sections of the society (Bastiaensen et al., 2018). In addition,
there can be problems with VSLA governance and administration, which might result in disputes
and group dissolution (Matsumoto et al., 2017).
In Shangombo district, VSLAs have mostly emerged as a crucial instrument for fighting poverty by
giving rural communities access to financing and empowering women. However, more investigation
is required to comprehend how VSLAs can be made more inclusive and effective as well as to ad-
dress the model's difficulties and constraints.

7.0 COMPONENTS OF VSLAS

7.1 Savings
The savings component is the foundation of a VSLA. Members save a fixed amount of money on a
regular basis, usually weekly or monthly, which is then pooled together to create a common fund.
The savings component provides members with a secure and reliable way to save money, which can
be used for emergency expenses, investments, or to access credit.

7.2 Loans
The loans component is a key feature of a VSLA. Members can borrow money from the group's
common fund at an agreed-upon interest rate. The loans are usually short-term and are intended to
be used for income-generating activities. The loans component provides members with access to
credit that they may not be able to access through traditional financial institutions.

7.3Interest
The interest component is a unique feature of VSLAs. Members who borrow money from the VSLA
pay interest on their loans. The interest rates are typically lower than those charged by traditional
lenders, making it more accessible to members with limited financial resources. The interest com-
ponent also generates income for the group, which can be used to cover administrative expenses or
increase the group's common fund.
11
7.4 Social support
The social support component of a VSLA is essential to its success. Members collaborate on in-
come-generating activities, share information and knowledge, and provide emotional support to one
another. The social support component helps to build trust and solidarity among members, which
can lead to improved livelihoods and increased income.

7.5 Group governance

The group governance component of a VSLA is critical to its functioning. The group is typically
managed by an elected committee made up of members. The committee is responsible for managing
the group's finances, organizing meetings, and making decisions on behalf of the group. The group
governance component helps to ensure that the group operates transparently and accountably, which
helps to build trust among members.

The components of a VSLA work together to promote financial inclusion and social support among
its members. By pooling their resources and providing mutual support, members can access finan-
cial services and improve their livelihoods. The VSLA structure also promotes transparency and ac-
countability, which helps to build trust and solidarity among members.

8.0 CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES OF VSLAS IN SHANGOMBO DISTRICT

Like in many other areas, the Shangombo district's VSLAs deal with a number of difficulties that
limit their ability to make an impact on the fight against poverty. VSLAs in the area suffer a number
of significant difficulties, including insufficient governance frameworks, restricted market access,
and limited access to financial resources, according to a report by Kawulich et al. (2018). It has been
determined that these difficulties have a detrimental impact on the district's VSLAs' viability and ef-
ficacy.

In addition to these difficulties, there are several chances for VSLAs to enhance their influence on
the eradication of poverty in Shangombo area. In the district, for instance, the improved accessibility
of mobile banking and other financial services has the potential to significantly enhance VSLA per-
formance (Simanowitz et al., 2014). As stated by Kawulich et al. (2018), improved social networks
and enhanced cooperation between VSLAs and other groups may also be able to help VSLAs in the
district overcome some of their difficulties.
12
In general, there are prospects for development and expansion even if VSLAs in the Shangombo
district confront major obstacles. VSLAs may continue to make significant contributions to the dis-
trict's and beyond's efforts to eradicate poverty by addressing the issues and seizing these chances.
With a mixed-methods approach, both qualitative and quantitative data will be used in this study's
research design. A sample of VSLA members and non-members will participate in the study, which
will take place in the Zambian district of Shangombo.

9.0 THE IMPACT OF VSLA IN SHANGOMBO DISTRICT.

Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) are community-based groups that provide a plat-
form for members to pool their savings and access small loans to support income-generating activit-
ies. These groups are typically formed by members of the same community, and they are managed
and operated by the members themselves. The VSLA model has been widely adopted in many de-
veloping countries, including Zambia, as a means of promoting financial inclusion, poverty eradica-
tion, and social development.

In the case of Shangombo District, which is located in the western part of Zambia, VSLAs have
been implemented as a poverty eradication strategy with promising results. The Catholic Relief Ser-
vices (CRS) conducted a study in 2019 that assessed the impact of VSLAs in Shangombo District.
The study found that VSLAs had a significant positive impact on the income levels of their mem-
bers. On average, VSLA members reported a 30% increase in their income, which was attributed to
the increased access to credit for income-generating activities. Moreover, VSLA members were able
to save and accumulate assets, which increased their resilience to shocks and enabled them to invest
in education and health.

The UNDP conducted a study in 2020 that assessed the impact of VSLAs on the empowerment of
women in Shangombo District. The study found that women made up the majority of VSLA mem-
bers and that VSLAs had a positive impact on the economic empowerment of women. VSLAs en-
abled women to gain more control over household finances, participate in decision-making, and im-
prove their social status within their communities. This empowerment of women is a critical com-
ponent of poverty eradication, as it enables women to contribute more meaningfully to the economic
development of their households and communities.

13
Moreover, VSLAs have been credited with promoting social capital and community development in
Shangombo District. VSLA members are encouraged to work together to achieve common goals
and solve problems, which has led to increased trust, cooperation, and social cohesion within com-
munities. This increased social capital is a critical component of poverty eradication, as it enables
communities to work together to address their collective challenges and build a more sustainable and
prosperous future.

VSLAs have had a positive impact on poverty eradication in Shangombo District by increasing in-
come, building assets, empowering women, and promoting community development. The VSLA
model has proven to be an effective means of promoting financial inclusion and economic empower-
ment, particularly for women and rural communities, which are often excluded from mainstream fin-
ancial systems. The success of VSLAs in Shangombo District provides a model for other communit-
ies and regions to follow as they seek to address poverty and promote sustainable development.
10.0 GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION OF SHANGOMBO DISTRICT.
Shangombo, a district with a population of about 99,384 people, located 413 kilometres from
Mongu district, is home to the Kwamashi speaking people.Shangombo District is a district in the
Western Province of Zambia, located in the southwestern part of the country. It is situated along the
border with Angola, and covers an area of approximately 16,600 square kilometers.

14
on the diagram above, the shaded region show the location of shangombo district, Western Province,
Zambia.
11.0 RESEARCH DESIGN
11.1 Sampling:
The study will use purposive sampling to select VSLA members and non-members for participation.
Purposive sampling will be used to ensure that the sample represents a diverse range of individuals
from different socioeconomic backgrounds.
11.2 Data Collection:
The study will use both primary and secondary data sources. Primary data will be collected through
structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews with VSLA members and non-members.
The questionnaires will be designed to collect quantitative data on household income, assets, and ac-
cess to financial services, while the interviews will collect qualitative data on the experiences of
VSLA members and non-members.
Secondary data will be collected from existing literature on VSLAs and poverty eradication in Zam-
bia.

15
11. 3 Data Analysis:
The quantitative data collected through the questionnaires will be analyzed using descriptive statis-
tics and inferential statistics such as regression analysis to examine the relationship between VSLA
membership and poverty eradication.

The qualitative data collected through the interviews will be analyzed using thematic analysis to
identify patterns and themes related to the experiences of VSLA members and non-members.

11.4 Ethical Considerations:

Ethical considerations will be taken into account throughout the research process. Informed consent
will be obtained from all participants, and their privacy and confidentiality will be protected. The
study will also be conducted in accordance with the ethical guidelines of the research institution and
international ethical standards.

11.5 Limitations:
One of the limitations of this study is the potential for response bias, as participants may provide so -
cially desirable responses. Additionally, the sample may not be representative of the entire popula-
tion of VSLA members and non-members in Shangombo district. Finally, the study's findings may
not be generalizable to other regions or contexts.

12.0 VALIBITY AND RELIABILITY

In this study on the influence of VSLAs on poverty eradication in Shangombo district, the follow-
ing strategies will be employed to ensure validity and reliability:
12.1 Sampling technique
A random sampling technique will be used to select participants from various villages in Shang-
ombo district. This approach will ensure that the sample is representative of the population, thus in-
creasing the external validity of the study.
12.2 Data collection instruments
Validated and reliable instruments such as questionnaires and interview guides will be used to col-
lect data from participants. The instruments will be pretested to ensure that they are reliable and
valid.

16
12.3 Data collection procedures
The data collection procedures will be standardized to minimize measurement error and enhance the
internal validity of the study. The data collection team will receive training on the data collection
procedures to ensure consistency.
12.4 Data analysis
The data will be analyzed using appropriate statistical methods, such as descriptive statistics and re-
gression analysis. The data analysis procedures will be well-documented to increase the reliability of
the study.
12.5 Triangulation
The findings of the study will be cross-verified using multiple sources of data. The use of multiple
sources will increase the validity of the study findings.
12.6 Peer review
The study findings will be subjected to peer review to enhance their validity and reliability. The re-
searcher will present the study findings to experts in the field for feedback and validation.
By employing these strategies, the study will ensure that its findings are valid and reliable.
13.0 POPULATION OF THE STUDY.
In this study on the influence of VSLAs on poverty eradication in Shangombo district, the popula-
tion will be all members of VSLAs in the district. This includes both men and women who are ac-
tively participating in VSLAs and have taken part in savings and lending activities.

To obtain a representative sample of the population, a random sampling technique will be used. The
sample size will be determined using a sample size calculation formula to ensure that it is adequate
to yield statistically significant results. The sample size will also take into consideration factors such
as the resources available and the time frame for the study.

It is important to note that the population may be subject to certain exclusion criteria, such as indi-
viduals who are not actively participating in VSLAs or those who have recently joined VSLAs and
have not yet taken part in savings and lending activities.

17
14.0 CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the literature review has explored the influence of Village Savings and Lending Asso-
ciations (VSLAs) on poverty eradication in Shangombo district. The review has provided a compre-
hensive understanding of poverty, its causes, and effects, and how VSLAs operate to address
poverty. It has also identified and analyzed previous studies on VSLAs, their impact on poverty
eradication, and the challenges and opportunities they face.
The review found that VSLAs have the potential to contribute significantly to poverty eradication by
providing access to financial services, building social capital, and promoting women's empower-
ment. Previous studies have shown that VSLAs have had positive impacts on poverty reduction in
various contexts, including Zambia.
The literature review supports the research questions/hypotheses and the objectives of the study by
providing a strong theoretical foundation for the research. The review has identified gaps in the ex-
isting literature, including the need to explore the challenges and opportunities of VSLAs in Shang-
ombo district.
Overall, the literature review highlights the importance of VSLAs as a strategy for poverty eradica-
tion and provides the necessary background for the proposed study. The study will build on this
foundation by examining the influence of VSLAs on poverty eradication in Shangombo district,
Zambia, and providing recommendations for their improvement.

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