Level of Improved Financial Health towards Empowering Special Groups in Mbeya City Council

Author

Consesa P. Silayo

Abstract

 This study examined the level of improved financial health towards empowering special groups in Mbeya City Council. The study was guided by the Strategic Socio-Economic Empowerment Theory and employed a mixed-methods approach using a cross-sectional research design. Quantitative data were collected from 326 special-group members comprising women, youth and persons with disabilities through structured questionnaires, while qualitative data were obtained from 10 key informants through in-depth interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using frequencies and percentages with SPSS version 26, while qualitative data were analysed through content analysis. The findings revealed a generally high level of improved financial health among special groups. Specifically, 85% of respondents strongly agreed and 15% agreed that access to capital had increased; 75% strongly agreed that transaction costs had decreased; 80% strongly agreed and 20% agreed that financial performance had improved; 80% strongly agreed that access to and usage of financial products had increased; and 70% strongly agreed that the frequency of payment delays had decreased. Qualitative findings further indicated that procurement opportunities improved cash flow, enabled enterprises to purchase materials, pay workers, access working capital and expand their businesses. However, transaction costs and payment delays remained challenges for some special-group enterprises. The study concludes that improved financial health provides an important pathway towards empowering special groups by strengthening their financial capacity, business sustainability and ability to manage economic activities. The study recommends that Mbeya City Council and relevant procurement authorities strengthen access to affordable working capital and financial products, reduce unnecessary transaction costs, ensure timely payments for completed contracts and provide financial-management training to special-group enterprises.

Keywords

Financial Health, Economic Empowerment, Special Groups, Preferential Procurement, Access to Capital, Public Procurement, Mbeya City Council.

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References

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