| dc.description.abstract | Rationale of Study – The study interrogated the financial information-seeking behaviour of
small-scale women entrepreneurs in Huye City, Rwanda – exploring their knowledge of
microfinance institutions (MFIs), the financial services available to them; their accessibility
and usage of financial information and, by extension financial services; the preferred
communication channels for accessing financial information, and the existing financial
information gaps amongst these women.
Methodology – Data was collected through a mini-survey with a semi-structured selfadministered questionnaire targeting 128 women entrepreneurs. In-depth interviews and
Focus Group Discussions generated qualitative data from 32 women entrepreneurs.
Findings – The findings revealed that most women entrepreneurs in the Huye City market
overtly sought information on business credit services but were unaware of or had little
information on MFIs that specifically target women and the financial services available for
women entrepreneurs (35%). Hence, accessibility and use of these services were negligible
(8%). Social networks were revealed as the key channels through which to receive and share
information on MFIs and the services offered. However, other interpersonal and mass
communication channels were equally valuable, such as visits by MFI experts, insider
acquaintances, community audio towers, and billboards.
Implications – Overall, a significant gap in information about MFIs and financial services
that specifically target women was evident amongst the respondents in this study. The
informed few were reluctant to commit for fear of breaking the MFI's restrictive credit
requirements. A multiplicity communication approach is recommended to enable as much
MFI information as possible to reach women entrepreneurs.
Originality – This original research generated empirical data on financial informationseeking behaviour among women entrepreneurs in Huye City, Rwanda. | en_US |
