scholarly journals Mobile Money, the Symbolism of Physical Money and Emerging Dynamics in Social Relationships among Low-Income Earners in Kenya

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 178
Author(s):  
Kennedy Munyua Waweru
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Social Relationships ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Developing World ◽  
Purchasing Power ◽  
Mobile Money ◽  
Financial Transaction ◽  
Credit Associations ◽  
Money Transfer ◽  
Financial Transactions

Kenya which is considered a leader of digitization of money in the form of mobile money in the developing world has been compared in some studies with Sweden, world leader in digitization of financial transaction among its residents. Despite the progress in digitization of financial transactions witnessed in many countries, opinion is still divided on whether full digitization of financial transactions is feasible. This study examines the symbolism of the physical money among low-income earners in Kenya a key variable to be considered in any move towards full digitization of financial transactions. The study surveyed 750 low-income households across Kenya and conducted focus groups. Findings indicate that Kenyans consider physical money as symbol of purchasing power that is irreplaceable by mobile money. They view mobile money as a complementary financial transactions facilitator especially for money transfer and not a replacement of cash. Findings also suggest that the advent of mobile money is be associated some increase in the degree of disconnection in personal interactions in social relationships. It also emerged that mobile money has facilitated continuity of rotating saving and credit associations in cases of mobility resulting from employments or other factors.

‘Upliftment’, friends and finance: everyday exchange repertoires and mobile money transfer in Kenya

2018 ◽  
Vol 56 (4) ◽  
pp. 569-594 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan Johnson ◽  
Froukje Krijtenburg
Keyword(s):  
East Africa ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Financial Inclusion ◽  
Financial Systems ◽  
Resource Exchange ◽  
Mobile Money ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
Money Transfer ◽  
New Perspective ◽  
Analytical Approaches

AbstractThe rapid and massive adoption of mobile money transfer (MMT) services in East Africa, particularly in Kenya, stands in stark contrast to historically low use of formal financial systems on the continent. Its ‘fertile grounds’ therefore require in-depth analysis to understand the implications for African financial systems. This paper argues for the need to examine the underlying conceptual environment that enables low income and poor people's MMT adoption. It innovatively combines anthropological with ethnolinguistic analytical approaches to distinguish two repertoires around resource exchange. First, is a relational financial repertoire where relationships are developed and consolidated to create support and ‘upliftment’. A contrasting resource-focused repertoire is more like that of the formal financial sector. Identifying the conceptual features of relationality, the study offers a new perspective on the adoption and use of MMT in Africa and highlights the potential for disjunctures with policy efforts to increase financial inclusion.

scholarly journals Linking mobile money networks to “e-ROSCAs”: An experimental study

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. eabc5831
Author(s):  
Patrick Francois ◽  
Munir Squires
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Study ◽  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Developing World ◽  
Peer To Peer ◽  
Mobile Money ◽  
Credit Associations ◽  
Savings And Credit Associations ◽  
Republic Of The Congo

We present results from a study in the Democratic Republic of the Congo that uses mobile money networks to run rotating savings and credit associations (ROSCAs), peer-to-peer finance groups ubiquitous across the developing world. We find high rates of contribution and ROSCA success. The unexpected success of such e-ROSCAs and their potential to extend banking to the bankless poor necessitate further exploration.

The Impact of Mobile Money Services on the Financial Transactions of Tertiary Students

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Francis Kwaku Kuma ◽  
Isaiah Miencha ◽  
Abena Yeboah Abrahams ◽  
Rev Nelson Boadi
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Money ◽  
Financial Transactions ◽  
The Impact

Mobile Money - A Catalyst for Financial Inclusion in Developing Economies: A Case Study of Zimbabwe using FinScope Survey Data

GIS Business ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 45-56
Author(s):  
Kingstone Mutsonziwa ◽  
Obert K. Maposa
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Developing Economies ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Financial System ◽  
Financial Inclusion ◽  
Viable Option ◽  
Mobile Money ◽  
Bank Branches ◽  
Financial Transactions

Mobile money in Zimbabwe has extensively extended the frontiers of financial inclusion to reach millions who were earlier excluded within a relatively short space of time. The growing use of mobile phones in transferring money and making payments has significantly altered the countrys financial inclusion landscape as millions who had been hitherto excluded can now perform financial transactions in a relatively cheap, reliable and secure way. The FinScope results found out that 45% of the adult population use mobile money services. Of those using mobile money, 65% mentioned that is convenient, while 36% mentioned that it is cheap. Mobile money is accessible. These drivers are in the backdrop of few or no bank branches in rural communities as well as time and cost of accessing the bank branches. In Zimbabwe, mobile money is mostly used as a vehicle for remittances. While some people are enjoying mobile money services, it is important to mention that there are still people who are excluded from the formal financial system. The reasons why people do not use mobile money are mainly related to poverty issues. Mobile money remains a viable option to push the landscape of financial inclusion in Zimbabwe and other emerging markets where the formal financial system might not be strong.

Cultivating social relationships and disrupting social isolation in low‐income, high‐disparity neighbourhoods in Ohio, USA

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allison A. Parsons ◽  
Dawna Leggett ◽  
Daniela Vollmer ◽  
Valerie Perez ◽  
Rachel Smith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Isolation ◽  
Social Relationships ◽  
Low Income

scholarly journals ‘You withhold what you are feeling so you can have a family’: Latinas’ perceptions on community values and postpartum depression

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. e000504
Author(s):  
McClain Sampson ◽  
Miao Yu ◽  
Rebecca Mauldin ◽  
Angelina Mayorga ◽  
Lorena G Gonzalez
Keyword(s):  
Postpartum Depression ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Family Services ◽  
Community Values ◽  
Faith Based ◽  
Community Acceptance ◽  
Values And Beliefs

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to explore the postpartum depression (PPD) beliefs and experiences of mothers who access local community faith-based organisations providing family services to low-income, predominantly immigrant Latino populations.DesignUsing a qualitative research design, we conducted 18 focus groups with Latina mothers to inquire about their community values and beliefs of PPD. All groups were conducted in Spanish.SettingAn academic research team located in Houston, Texas, USA, partnered with six faith-based organisations in five cities to recruit and host focus groups at the site of the organisation.ParticipantsOne hundred and thirty-three women participated in the focus groups across all sites. Thirty-seven of them (27.8%) had given birth to a child in less than 1 year. Inclusion criteria included mothers 18 years and older and Latino ethnicity.ResultsA six-step process was used to apply thematic analysis to sort data into the themes. All mothers had heard of depression after childbirth, some had experienced it and most remarked that the personal experience and community acceptance of it vary by family. The main findings suggest that mothers take pride in parenting by instilling values to support family and the value of relying on family for emotional support. Findings reveal that many mothers suffer and sacrifice for their children, they feel judged and feel they must hide their emotions. Factors such as birth and postpartum customs from a native country, gender roles and beliefs of what a good mother shape their beliefs and messages about PPD.ConclusionOur findings indicate that programme developers should consider family and community focused education and intervention efforts to help decrease stigma and increase understanding of PPD.

scholarly journals Mitigating Childhood Food Insecurity during COVID-19: A Qualitative Study of how School Districts in California’s San Joaquin Valley Responded to Growing Needs

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-26
Author(s):  
Ashley H. Jowell ◽  
Janine S. Bruce ◽  
Gabriela V. Escobar ◽  
Valeria M. Ordonez ◽  
Christina A. Hecht ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
School District ◽  
School Districts ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Distribution Systems ◽  
Community Organizations ◽  
San Joaquin Valley ◽  
School Meal ◽  
Fresh Foods

Abstract Objectives: To explore best practices and challenges in providing school meals during COVID-19 in a low-income, predominantly Latino, urban-rural region. Design: Semi structured interviews with school district stakeholders and focus groups with parents were conducted to explore school meal provision during COVID-19 from June to August 2020. Data was coded and themes were identified to guide analysis. Community organizations were involved in all aspects of study design, recruitment, data collection, and analysis. Setting: Six school districts in California’s San Joaquin Valley. Participants: School district stakeholders (n=11) included food service directors, school superintendents, and community partners (e.g., funders, food co-operative). Focus groups (n=6) were comprised of parents (n=29) of children participating in school meal programs. Results: COVID-19-related challenges for districts included developing safe meal distribution systems, boosting low participation, covering COVID-19-related costs, and staying informed of policy changes. Barriers for families included transportation difficulties, safety concerns, and a lack of fresh foods. Innovative strategies to address obstacles included pandemic-EBT, bus-stop delivery, community pick-up locations, batched meals, and leveraging partner resources. Conclusions: A focus on fresher, more appealing meals and greater communication between school officials and parents could boost participation. Districts that leveraged external partnerships were better equipped to provide meals during pandemic conditions. In addition, policies increasing access to fresh foods and capitalizing on USDA waivers could boost school meal participation. Finally, partnering with community organizations and acting upon parent feedback could improve school meal systems, and in combination with pandemic-EBT, address childhood food insecurity.

scholarly journals Lifecourse, immigrant status and acculturation in food purchasing and preparation among low-income mothers

2007 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 396-404 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tamara Dubowitz ◽  
Dolores Acevedo-Garcia ◽  
Judy Salkeld ◽  
Ana Cristina Lindsay ◽  
SV Subramanian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Metropolitan Areas ◽  
Food Preparation ◽  
Immigrant Status ◽  
Food Purchasing ◽  
Study Results ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Low Income Women ◽  
Access To Food

AbstractObjectivesThis study investigates how lifecourse, immigrant status and acculturation, and neighbourhood of residence influence food purchasing and preparation among low-income women with children, living in the USA. This research sought to understand physical and economic access to food, from both ‘individual’ and ‘community’ perspectives.DesignThis study used qualitative methodology (focus groups) to examine the mechanisms and pathways of food preparation and purchasing within the context of daily life activity for US- and foreign-born women, living in the USA. The study methodology analysed notes and verbatim transcripts, summarised recurring responses and identified new themes in the discussions.Setting and subjectsA total of 44 women were purposively sampled from two metropolitan areas in Massachusetts, USA, based on (1) neighbourhood of residence and (2) primary language spoken. All focus groups were conducted in community health centres and community centres co-located with offices of the special supplemental nutritional programme for Women, Infants, and Children.ResultsAnalysis of key response themes suggested that scarcity of food and physical access to food purchasing points did not influence food purchasing and preparation as much as (1) limited time for food shopping, cooking and family activities; and (2) challenges in transportation to stores and childcare. The study results demonstrated differing attitudes toward food acquisition and preparation between immigrant and US-born women and between women who lived in two metropolitan areas in the western and eastern regions of the state of Massachusetts, USA.ConclusionsThe findings illustrate ‘hidden’ constraints that need to be captured in measures of physical and economic access and availability of food. US policies and programmes that aim to improve access, availability and diet quality would benefit from considering the social context of food preparation and purchasing, and the residential environments of low-income women and families.

scholarly journals P.028 Global surgery for pediatric hydrocephalus in the developing world: a review of the history, challenges, and future directions

2017 ◽  
Vol 44 (S2) ◽  
pp. S20-S20
Author(s):  
S Wang ◽  
RT Muir ◽  
BC Warf
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Developing World ◽  
Pediatric Neurosurgery ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Global Surgery ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Global Burden ◽  
Pediatric Hydrocephalus ◽  
Cost Effective Treatment ◽  
Education Gaps

Background: Pediatric hydrocephalus is one of the most common neurosurgical conditions and is a major contributor to the global burden of surgically treatable diseases. Methods: The authors conducted a literature review around the topic of pediatric hydrocephalus in the context of global surgery, the unique challenges to creating access to care in low-income countries, and current international efforts to address the problem. Results: Developing countries face the greatest burden of pediatric hydrocephalus due to high birth rates and greater risk of neonatal infections. This burden is related to more general global health challenges, including malnutrition, infectious diseases, maternal and perinatal risk factors, and education gaps. Unique challenges pertaining to the treatment of hydrocephalus in the developing world include a preponderance of postinfectious hydrocephalus, limited resources, and restricted access to neurosurgical care. In the 21st century, several organizations have established programs that provide hydrocephalus treatment and neurosurgical training in Africa, Central and South America, Haiti, and Southeast Asia. These international efforts have employed various models to achieve the goals of providing safe, sustainable, and cost-effective treatment. Conclusions: Broader commitment from the pediatric neurosurgery community, increased funding, public education, surgeon training, and ongoing surgical innovation will be needed to meaningfully address the global burden of untreated hydrocephalus.

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