ICT use in VICOBA is mostly for communication

What the study found: Village Community Banks (VICOBA) in Songea Urban, southern Tanzania, use information and communication technology (ICT) in varied ways, but communication is the main use. The abstract reports that many members are satisfied with ICT tools, while use for financial transactions and record keeping is much less common.
Why the authors say this matters: The authors conclude that the findings help explain how ICT is used in grassroots financial groups and suggest that VICOBA recognizes ICT's potential to improve efficiency and transparency in financial operations. They also say the findings are relevant to policymakers, stakeholders working on financial inclusion and sustainable development, as well as researchers and VICOBA groups.
What the researchers tested: The study used a case study of Songea Urban in the Ruvuma region and applied an explanatory and analytical research design. It drew on the Technology Acceptance Model and the Technology Adoption and Diffusion of Innovations Theory, with data from 40 respondents collected through questionnaires, observations, and interviews, then analyzed in SPSS.
What worked and what didn't: Several ICT tools were reported as widely used, including MKOBA, smartphones, laptops, and projectors. The abstract says 60% of respondents were satisfied with ICT tools, 55% used ICT mainly for communication, and 12.5% used it for financial transactions and record keeping. Challenges included limited digital literacy, poor internet connectivity, security concerns, and high technology costs.
What to keep in mind: The study is based on one case study site with 40 respondents, so the abstract describes a limited scope. The abstract does not provide additional methodological limitations beyond the challenges reported by participants.

Key points

• ICT use in Songea Urban VICOBA was diverse, but communication was the main purpose.
• 60% of respondents were satisfied with the ICT tools used in VICOBA activities.
• Only 12.5% used ICT for financial transactions and record keeping.
• Reported challenges included low digital literacy, poor internet connectivity, security concerns, and high technology costs.
• The study used a case study design with 40 respondents and analyzed data in SPSS.