Exploring the Sustainability of Village Savings and Loans Association Women’s Self-Help Groups Through the Lens of Social Movement Learning in the Tamale Metropolis of Ghana

Abstract

This study explores how social movement learning (SML) promotes the sustainability of Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA) women’s self-help groups within the Tamale Metropolis. To address this problem, the purpose of this multiple-case study is to explore how social movement learning promotes the sustainability of Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA) women’s self-help groups in the Tamale Metropolis of Ghana. SML is understood as learning that occurs within social movements. This thesis employs a qualitative approach. Specifically, it utilizes Stake's (2006) multiple case study design, selecting three women's Self-Help Groups (SHGs) that implement the Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA) model through a purposive maximum variation strategy. A total of 40 participants were chosen across these three cases. The data collected from participant interviews were analyzed using the framework analysis matrix (FAM) developed by Gale et al. (2013). The study found that the types of knowledge acquired in the group encompassed knowledge on health and financial literacy, transformative learning, trade, insights on parenting, and cleanliness and sanitation in the Tamale Metropolis. The study also found that the combination of social movement learning on leadership (encompassing support, care, empathy, honesty, and motivation), decision-making (consensus-building and consultations), conflict resolution (a listening ear, engaging members, and utilizing elderly individuals), and savings and loans ((transparency, regular feedback, and encouragement of loan repayment) represents how it promoted the sustainability of the VSLA women’s SHGs in the Tamale Metropolis. The study concludes that the VSLA women’s SHGs are a knowledge production site. It also concludes that women’s knowledge of leadership, decision-making, conflict resolution, and savings and loans is necessary for the sustainability of VSLA women’s SHGs in the Tamale Metropolis.