THE ROLE OF COOPERATIVE FINANCIAL AND OPERATIONAL SERVICES IN PROMOTING FINANCIAL INCLUSION AMONG TEACHERS IN RURAL RWANDA A CASE OF UMWALIMU SACCO IN NYARUGURU DISTRICT

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Published Aug 29, 2026
DOI https://doi.org/10.61426/business.v7i1.556

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MUTABAZI EVARISTE
Master Degree in Business Administration, Project Management Option, University of Lay Adventists of Kigali (UNILAK) Rwanda
SHWETA UPPADHYAY, PhD
Lecturer, University of Lay Adventists of Kigali (UNILAK) Rwanda

Abstract

This study examined the effect of cooperative financial and operational services on teachers’ financial inclusion, using Umwalimu SACCO in Nyaruguru District as a case study for the period 2020–2024. The specific objectives were to identify the financial and operational services offered by the SACCO, assess the level of financial inclusion among teachers, and determine the relationship between SACCO services and financial inclusion. The study adopted a descriptive and correlational research design, targeting teachers who are members of Umwalimu SACCO. A sample size of 97 respondents was selected using appropriate sampling techniques. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and interview guides, and analyzed using descriptive statistics (means, standard deviations, and coefficients of variation) and inferential statistics (multiple linear regression and ANOVA) with the support of SPSS. The findings revealed that cooperative financial and operational services are highly rated, with savings products (Mean = 4.24) and service quality (Mean = 4.22) emerging as the strongest components, while loan processing efficiency recorded the lowest mean (Mean = 4.04). The level of financial inclusion among teachers was found to be high (Overall Mean = 4.16), with reliability (Mean = 4.29) and affordability (Mean = 4.18) being the most prominent dimensions. Regression results indicated a strong and statistically significant relationship between SACCO services and financial inclusion (R = 0.812, R² = 0.659, p < 0.05), implying that 65.9% of the variation in financial inclusion is explained by cooperative financial and operational services. Among the predictors, service quality (β = 0.281), savings products (β = 0.238), and loan provision (β = 0.214) had the greatest influence. The study concludes that cooperative financial and operational services play a critical role in promoting financial inclusion among teachers. It recommends that Umwalimu SACCO should strengthen service quality, improve loan processing efficiency, expand branch coverage, and enhance digital financial services to further improve access and participation. Future research should explore the role of financial literacy and digital adoption in influencing financial inclusion in rural contexts.

Article Details

Issue
Vol 7 No 1 (2026)
Section
Articles
Author Biographies

MUTABAZI EVARISTE, Master Degree in Business Administration, Project Management Option, University of Lay Adventists of Kigali (UNILAK) Rwanda

Master Degree in Business Administration, Project Management Option, University of Lay Adventists of Kigali (UNILAK) Rwanda

SHWETA UPPADHYAY, PhD, Lecturer, University of Lay Adventists of Kigali (UNILAK) Rwanda

Lecturer, University of Lay Adventists of Kigali (UNILAK) Rwanda

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