This chapter presents the background to the study, problem statement, general objectives, specific objectives, research questions, significance of the study, and justification of the study, scope of the study and definition of key words.

1.1Background to the Study

This section will comprise the historical background of the study, theoretical, conceptual and contextual.

1.1.1 Historical Background

Economic rights are universal and part of the range of legal rights that were promulgated under the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948, with the goal of increasing access to financial means of living for all. To that effect worldwide, financial systems have been developed that aim at curbing poverty levels among the nationals. International literature is replete with conceptual and empirical works on a wide range of issues pertaining to women’s access to financial resources and their inclusion in businesses enterprises. However, a systematic search of the academic literature demonstrates a striking imbalance where little attention has been given to the women’s access to bank services and household decision-making. The failure to accurately identify the household decision-maker makes it likely that gender effects have not been accurately estimated (Bernasak et al, 2002).

Throughout history, different feminist researchers, scholars and academicians have argued that women have been socially, politically and economically subordinate to men (Habomugisha, 2005). Habomugisha (2005) notes that this subordination can be traced back when industrial capitalism forced men to move from the home to the workplace, leaving women in the private sphere of activity. Women’s economic subordination in Uganda is believed to have began with the coming of colonial rule through the introduction of cash crops, hut tax and formal education (Habomugisha, 2005).

Many women remain dependent upon their husbands, and about one in three married women from developing countries have no control over household spending on major purchases (United Nations, 2015). About one in 10 are not consulted about the way their own earnings are spent (United Nations, 2015). Providing low-income women worldwide with effective and affordable financial tools to save and borrow money, make and receive payments, and manage risk is critical to both women’s empowerment and poverty reduction (Holloway et al, 2017).

On the African continent, historical patterns of women’s access to financial services show a tremendous improvement in household decision making. When women farmers have access to financial services, the benefits go far beyond farmlands (One Acre Fund, 2018). Financial empowerment has been proven to increase women’s participation in decision-making. Moreover, women’s financial inclusion helps combat social marginalization and improves well-being of their households (One Acre Fund, 2018).

Uganda’s financial policy frameworks have prioritised increasing financial inclusion for previously excluded segments of the population especially the women, youth, the disabled and rural communities (Uganda National Financial Inclusion Strategy (2017– 2022). FinScope (2018) reveals that access to formal financial services increased six percentage points between 2013 and 2018 and currently, with six out every 10 Ugandans adults having access formal financial services. This is up from five out of 10 adults who accessed formal financial services in 2013.

However, little is known on whether women’s access to financial services impacts on their decision-making in the household. The effect of increased access to financial services on household decision-making dynamics needs to be explored, especially in Uganda’s context. Using intra-household economic analysis from a methodological individualism and informed by gender frameworks, the study intends to examine the influence of women’s access to bank services on household decision-making. This is because the ability to exercise choice incorporates three inter-related dimensions; resources, agency and negotiation (Kabeer, 1999).

1.1.2 Theoretical background

Household decision-making has been a subject of study in both economics and sociology. The economics literature provides two approaches to modelling the household from which one can draw interpretations about the household’s financial decision-making process. Gary Becker (1981) pioneered the neoclassical theory of the household. He thought that a household can be modelled by maximization of its (unified) utility function by a selfless household head. Tastes and preferences of all household members are considered, assumed to be externally determined and held constant over time. To him, the outcome of this model of household decision-making is an efficient allocation of household resources, maximized by each person specializing to take advantage of their comparative advantage. The model does not foretell that resource allocation in the household is independent of who earns the income.

The bargaining models used cooperative game theory to model the household (Manser & Brown,1980; McElroy & Horney, 1981). These assume that spouses have unique preferences that can be represented by individual utility functions, differences and that the allocation of household resources is resolved through a cooperative bargaining process. A spouse’s bargaining power is determined by their threat point – the level of utility they would have outside the relationship. Relative access to income, education, and paid work outside the home would all be expected to increase the bargaining power of a household member. The model recognizes that households do not run without friction and household decision-making is therefore a process of bargaining.

Feminist theories (Mader and Schneebaum, 2013) on the other hand, have studied the unique normative and structural features of the family or household as a unit, in explaining how microeconomic resource allocation alter gender norms, intra-household resource allocation either reinforcing or challenging social norms regarding decision-making. This is because household decision-making is closely related to gender issues, particularly, the gender division of labour and the status of women in the household. Sen (1990) cited in Mader and Schneebaum (2013) argues that the systematic undervaluation of women’s work in relation to men, reinforces gender inequality whereby women’s contribution to the household is seen as less valuable.

This study will be guided by feminist conflict theory advanced by Blumberg (1984, 2005). This theory postulates that gender stratification is ultimately driven by the degree to which, relative to men, women control the means of production and the allocation of productive surplus or surplus value. Accordingly, it is the understanding that society is diverse, and gender stratification dictates the base of power relations within the family, which is a reflection of culturally defined gender-ideologies and gender-segregated resources in the wider society. This differs from previous feminism perspectives that concentrated on women without incorporating men, yet they needed to understand women insubordination in the society.

1.1.3 Conceptual Background

Bank means a financial institution that handles cash, credit and provides other financial services. This includes banks, micro-finance and SACCOs.

Financial services are defined as economic services provided by the finance industry, which include credit, credit cards, insurance, stocks brokerage and investments.^[1] For this study, financial (bank) services will be limited to taking a bank loan (credit), having savings in the bank and acquiring financial literacy skills.

Household decision-making refer to the collective process in which more than one person is involved in the purchasing of goods and services to be used by multiple consumers. A household refers to a house and its occupants as a unit. Household decision-making can be complex because of interpersonal needs, responsibility and intra-household power.

1.1.4 Contextual Background

Women have been identified as a group of people below the poverty line (The Microfinance Banker, volume 5 issue 3 2005). Their standard of living is low as well as their level of education, hence their poor welfare. Poverty is a universal phenomenon and studies indicate that it is at high levels in developing countries.

In Uganda, the welfare level of the population was studied by USAID Uganda (2005), where geographic, socio-economic and environmental national data was compiled. According to the state of Uganda population report 2014, the population of Uganda is increasing with approximately one million people being added every year. Currently, the population is estimated at 35 million, having grown from 24.2 million in 2002 when the last census was held (Pop SEC, 2010). The population has grown in part because Uganda has a high fertility rate (6-7 children per woman on average).

The statistical data sheet has been shown below

Table 1: Key indicators and trends of selected National and Regional Statistics

Demographic characteristics	Value (million)
Total population	35
Male	16.1
Female	18.9
Total Urban	4.5
Population growth rate (%)	3.4
Urban population growth rate (%)	5.8
Urban population (%)	4.91

Source: Adopted and modified from the state of Uganda’s population Report (Republic of Uganda 2014)

In developing countries therefore, both the public and private sector have come up to enable them reduce poverty and enhance prosperity, however this has been constrained by lack of collateral security to access the loans (Muwoke & Amago, 1989). In order to counteract the failure of banks to give credit to women, there emerged women groups to reduce the insufficiency of credit in Uganda. They include: The Uganda Women Finance and Credit Trust (UWFCT), currently known as the Uganda Finance Trust Foundation for National Assistance (FINCA), Promotion of Rural Initiative and Development Enterprises (PRIDE Microfinance) and Opportunity Uganda. These were microfinance institutions which wished to extend loans to the poor women entrepreneurs by revising the conditions of the collateral security, not only to include assets like land, houses, but also allow women to pledge household properties like fridges, cookers, furniture, animals, and mattresses as collateral securities for loans.

1.2 Statement of the problem

Classical and neo-classical gender economists (Laslett, 1972, 1982, Magrabi, et al. 1991 and Kabeer, 1997) have acknowledged the relationship between gender relations and decision-making processes in their comparative studies. Besides, Uganda’s financial policy framework conceding to the relationship, promotes financial inclusion for all persons, including women, as a way of improving power relations especially at the household level. Subsequently, the banking industry has responded by targeting women as their clients and renders to them a number of financial services (FinScope, 2018).

However, broader social constraints related to intra-household bargaining power and the social status of women may continue to limit the broader impact of financial inclusion on women’s economic empowerment (Holloway et al, 2017; Habomugisha, 2005; Rutabajjuka, 1994). The extent to which provision of financial services to women has improved on their financial decisions at household level is not only questionable but may exacerbate the already worsening gender relations at a household level (Habomugisha, 2005). The study, therefore, seeks to analyze the effect of women’s access to bank services on household decision-making dynamics in Nakawa division, Kampala district.

1.3 Purpose of the Study

The study seeks to analyze the effect of women’s access to bank services on household decision-making in Nakawa division, Kampala district.

1.4 Objectives of the Study

The following specific objectives will guide the study; namely to:

Establish the bank services accessed by women.
Examine women’s household financial decision-making, and
Analyse the effect of women’s access to bank services on household financial decision-making.

1.5 Research questions

Research questions that will be useful in achieving the study objectives are;

What are the bank services accessed by women?
What are women’s household financial decision-making?

What is the effect of women’s access to bank services on household financial decision-making?

1.6.0 Scope of the Study

The study scope will cover three aspects, namely Geographical Scope, Content scope and Period scope as described below;.

1.6.1 Geographical Scope

The study will be conducted in Nakawa division, Kampala district. Nakawa division lies in the eastern part of Kampala city, bordering Kira Town to the east, Wakiso District to the north, Kawempe Division to the north-west, Kampala Central Division to the West. It also borders Makindye Division across Murchison Bay to the south-west and Lake Victoria to the south.[2]Many banks in Kampala have targeted women clients in Nakawa division, especially those engaged in Micro, Small and Mediums enterprises. The women in Nakawa can access financial services as individuals or groups from banks and non- bank financial intermediaries. Nakawa Division is home to banks like Barclays Bank, Stanbic and the area is in close proximity to the city centre where most major banks are located. This area will be chosen because the researcher anticipates obtaining the required data from various women who have accessed bank services.

1.6.2 Content scope

This study sets to examine the effect of women’s access to bank services on household decision-making dynamics. The study intends to analyze household decision-making namely; women’s involvement in family decision making, the processes through which decisions are made, the consequence of gender family structures and decision-making styles on women’s effective participation in decision.

1.6.3 Period scope

This study sets to examine effect of women’s access to bank services on household decision-making dynamics for a period of 5 years from 2015 to 2020. This period is long enough to yield reliable data on the topic under study.

1.7 Justification of the study

The government of Uganda’s financial policy framework aims to improve women’s access to financial services (Uganda National Financial Inclusion Strategy, 2017– 2022). This is seen as a strategy to promote equal opportunities for women to contribute, as well as benefit, from the country’s economic growth. As a result, private commercial banks have responded by investing in financial products that specifically target women. However, women’s subjugation persists. An analysis of whether women’s access to financial services has an effect on household decision-making, is eminent.

1.8 Significance of the study

The study findings will help development organizations such as commercial banks, UN Women, International Labour Organization (ILO) and Government of Uganda that invest in women’s financial empowerment to understand whether their initiatives have improved household decision-making thus contributing to reducing gender inequality.

1.9.0 Conceptual Framework and Theoretical Framework

1.9.1 Conceptual Framework

The conceptual framework (Figure 1 below), presupposes that there exists a relationship between women’s access to financial services- taking a bank loan, having savings and acquiring financial literacy skills- as the measures under the independent variables, while household decision-making is the dependent variable. Assumed in the conceptual model is that if women access bank loans, have savings and acquire financial literacy skills, their household decision-making power will increase.

Figure 1: Women’s Access to Financial Services and Household Decision-making

Model

Independent variables Intervening variables Dependent Variables

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0 Introduction

This chapter presents the literature review put forward by different scholars and personalities on the effect of women’s access to bank services on household financial decision-making dynamics as well as critically analyzing the deviations in the explanations to find out the existing research gap in the study variables. Literature will be reviewed objectively starting with definition of a concept, followed by reviewing of objectives. Sources like published articles, magazines, dissertations, e-books and journals related to the topic under study will be used.

2.1 Women’s Access to Bank Services

Uganda aspires to become a middle-income country by 2020 which entails socio-economic transformation through the creation of a productive and entrepreneurial middle class (Dierdre, 2015). For this objective to be attained, there is need to put in place a conducive policy environment that promotes financial inclusion as a critical pillar of socio-economic empowerment of the population particularly the most disadvantaged groups such women and youth (Bruce and Lloyd, 2016). The government of Uganda is committed to promoting inclusive financial access to all segments of the population in line with vision 2020, government seven years programme, EDPRS2 and financial sector strategy (2013-2018). Vision 2020 has set the platform for financial sector reform process (Bina, 2014).

The Financial Sector Development Programme (FSDP) that was launched in 2006 has the vision to “develop a stable and sound financial sector that is sufficiently deep and broad, capable of efficiently mobilizing and allocating resources to address the development needs of the economy and reduce poverty (Carter and Cannon, 2017). Several other government strategies have been developed to facilitate access to finance in general and women and youth in particular, including the Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Program, Micro Finance Policy, National Financial Literacy Education Strategy and others. One of the recommendations provided by MINECOFIN through the National Microfinance Policy Implementation Strategy (2013-2017) to increase women and youth access to finance, is to facilitate the National Women’s Council and the Youth League to identify systematically the needs and priorities for financial services amongst their members and communicate these to the relevant institutions (Ganesh,2012).

2.2 Household Financial Decision- making Dynamics

A study of women’s decision- making in rural and urban households in Nicaragua, found out that in urban areas, with their increased options for diverse employment opportunities, have more potential to bring improvements to women’s position and situation (Bradshaw, 2013). Improving women’s access to financial resources empowers them within their own homes, and this “private” economic empowerment, will in turn, allow women to challenge more public gender stereotypes. The ability to participate in decision-making, Bradshaw argues, is one measure of women’s relative power within the household.

Bradshaw’s study established that women who were not engaged in income-generating activities were more likely to report that the man alone made the decisions involving expenditure, even in “women’s” areas such as buying clothes for children. In contrast, women who earned an income were more likely to say that the woman alone made the decisions. The general pattern among men was that where the man said his partner was a housewife, he was more likely to say that the man alone should make decisions, even concerning “female” purchases such as food. Kenyangi (1996) studied a similar trend and noted that in homes where women had incomes of their own, husbands contributed little money for food and rent. Some did not contribute anything at all and women had to do everything.

2.4 Challenges faced by Women in Accessing Bank services

Women disproportionately face barriers to access financial services, which prevents them from effective participating in the economy and improving their lives (The World Bank, 2018). Globally, there is a gender gap in financial inclusion. Women are 7% points less likely than men to have a bank account. Even when women have full access to banking services, they face much greater challenges in obtaining services that meet their needs. There is an estimated $300 billion credit shortfall for women-owned micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in emerging economies. Women are also more likely to be dissatisfied with banking services worldwide (The World Bank, 2012).

The Global Findex, a database measuring how people save, borrow, and manage risk in 148 countries, reveals that women are less likely than men to have formal bank accounts. In developing economies, women are 20 percent less likely than men to have an account at a formal financial institution and 17 percent unlikely to have borrowed formally in the past year. Even if they can could access to a loan, usually they lack access to other financial services, such as savings and digital payment methods. In some countries, women require a male family member’s permission to open a bank account to while in others, the decision on how the money should be used lies with the man. A study in Pakistan, for example, revealed that although women might open accounts in their own woman, the decision-making authority around the use of those funds often lies with a male relative. The World Bank’s Gender at Work report (2014) asserts that on virtually every global measure, women are more economically excluded than men. Lack of financial education can also limit women from gaining access and benefitting from formal financial services.

In many African countries, cultural practices and social norms limit women ownership of property (for example land) through inheritance and other property. Scholars (Mayoux and Linda, 2000) have pointed out that in some countries, widows and divorced women have no legal rights to inherit the family land. When a husband dies or leaves, the land remains owned by his family. In places where inheritance is legally permitted, property laws are often ignored with impunity because it is hard to enforce the law and cultural practices prevail. As a result, women as a sector of African economies generally lack access to land and other assets (ibid). Yet property ownership is important for accessing financial services, when loan collateral is required.

An increasing body of evidence shows that appropriate financial services can help improve family welfare and spur small enterprise activity. Economies with deeper financial intermediation tend to grow faster and reduce income inequality (Rose and tong, 2016). The study will examine whether women’s increased access to bank services in Uganda has had an effect on their decision-making power in the household. This is because a household is a basic unit of society where individuals either cooperate or compete for resources. It is a primary place where individuals confront and reproduce societal norms, values, power, and privilege. Gender norms expressed within the household are reinforced and reflected in larger institutions of society (Kabeer, 1997).

2.5 Women’s Access to Bank Services and Household Financial Decision-making

The reviewed literature demonstrates that financial institutions are important for economic development and for poverty reduction among women. Besides, financial resources have potential for women’s empowerment but the level of women’s access to these resources is still low. Characterized by gender dynamics in households, women are not accessing these resources in large numbers despite their huge potential in poverty reduction and women empowerment (Majoor, Manders and Femconsult, 2009).

Spouses’ relative bargaining position and, as a result, the extent to which they shape their household’s behavior, depends on how their individual economic and social fallback positions compare (Lundberg and Pollak, 1993). The spouse who has more access and control over resources than their partner is likely to exert more pressure and tilt their households’ decisions towards the economic activities and allocations they prefer. Eventually, the spouse who has limited access to and control over resources will have very little influence, if any, on their households’ economic behaviour.

The review also indicates that access to resources alone is not directly linked to gender responsive relations, empowerment and equality. Women must also have the ability to access the financial resources, control and use them to meet their goals. In addition, while financial institutions have addressed constraints facing women accessing financial resources, there are gender-related traditional structures that inhibit women from control and utilisation of these resources (Krishna, 2003).

The social set-ups in the study area determine the decision-making at household and community levels, thereby subordinating women despite access to financial services. In patriarchal societies, men are absolute heads and women their subjects, and this influences decision-making in the households. In other contexts, because of the society’s perception that a woman’s place is in the home, most women are not aware of the existence of financial services offering on the market and even the few who have access may surrender the money to their male spouses (Mayoux and Hartl, 2009). Since it is evident that gender relations in households influence control and utilisation of financial resources among women, this study seeks to document the extent to which women who access financial services are able to make decisions on appropriation at the household level. Notably, the reviewed literature reveals a considerable lack of empirical evidence regarding the extent to which access to financial services improves women’s decision-making in the household, a gap that this study sets to fill (Chant, 2007).

CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY

3.0 Introduction

This chapter provides justifications of the methodology that will be used for the study. The research design and analytical path of any research project should have a specific methodological direction based on its research objectives and framework. Provided is therefore a scientific process that will be followed to qualify the generalization of findings on the effect of women’s access to bank services on household decision-making dynamics. They include the research design, study population area, sample size, sampling techniques and procedure, data collection methods, data collection instruments, validity and reliability, data quality control, data analysis, data measurements, ethical considerations and limitations of the study.

3.1 Research Design

According to Fisher (2007), a research design is defined as a detailed outline of how an investigation takes place. The study will adopt a descriptive survey design which will provide descriptions of the variables to answer the research questions. This study will use two approaches; the qualitative and quantitative research design. Kothari (2004) notes that quantitative design is based on measurement of quantity hence this will be used in calculating simple percentages and the number of respondents. Bryman et al., (2003) reiterates that quantitative design also allows comparisons between respondents, giving the right perspective on the variables under study. The choice of this technique is also guided by the fact that the study aims at generating findings, which would facilitate a general understanding and interpretation of the problem. The quantitative data will be triangulated with Focus Group Discussions and Key Informant Interviews to provide explanatory information to the statistical data.

3.2 Study population and Area

The study will focuse on women who have accessed bank services either as individuals or in groups in the last five years. Trochim (2006) defines a study population as the group in which a researcher wants to pick a sample from in order to make generalizations. According to the 1991 national census, the population of Nakawa division was estimated at 135,519. The 2002 census put the figure at 246,781, with 122,249 (49.5 percent) females and 124,532 (50.5 percent) males. UWEAL members in Nakawa Division are 500 (UWEAL, 2018) and this comprised the population of study.

3.3 Sampling techniques

This study will employ both probability and non-probability sampling techniques. Probability sampling techniques will include simple and stratified random sampling which will be used to select women who have accessed bank services either in groups or as individuals. This will ensure that there is representativeness. Besides, it will provide an equal chance to all of being selected. Non-probability sampling techniques will include purposive; namely key informants to ensure people with particular information about the subject under study are selected. Snow ball sampling will be used to reach respondents through referrals and enable the researcher interview respondents who can provide data on the topic under study.

3.4 Determination of the sample size

In this study, the researcher will use a sample of 217 respondents to be representative of the population and this will be determined by using the Krejcie and Morgan (1970) Table of Determining Sample Size. The sample size will be 217 out 500 members of Uganda Women Entrepreneurs Association Limited (UWEAL) in Nakawa Division. UWEAL, being a business association, all the women who comprise the sample, will be accessed bank services in the last five years. Sekaran (2003) contends that a sample size item larger than 30 and less than 500 is appropriate for most studies. The sample size will be determined using the formula below and in line with the provided table in Annex VI:

Table 2: Determination of sample size and sampling technique

Category of Respondents	Population Size	Sample size	Sampling technique
UWEAL urban traders in Nakawa	400	200	Purposive sampling
UWEAL light processors	100	17	Purposive sampling
Sub total for UWEAL	500	217
Husbands to women traders	20	10	Snowball sampling
Local Council II Chairmen	23	5	Purposive sampling
Banks representatives	10	5	Purposive sampling
Total	553	20

Source: Krejcie and Morgan (1970) and UWEAL membership report (2018).

As indicated in Table 1 above, 20 respondents will be added to the 217 UWEAL members to comprise a sample of 237. The 10 husbands will be drawn from the 217 UWEAL members who are married, and their husbands will be willing to participate in the study.

3.5.0 Data sources and collection instrument

Majorly, two types of data sources – primary and secondary will be used for this study

3.5.1 Data sources, Collection Procedure and Instruments

Two types of data namely primary and secondary data will be used to collect data using different methods. Primary data will be collected using questionnaires and direct interviews. The study will adopt a mixture of qualitative and quantitative methods to obtain data on the topic under study. Qualitative data will be collected using Focus Group Discussions (FDGs) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs). FDG guides and KII guides will be used to collect data on feelings, beliefs and attitudes regarding the subject under study. Quantitative methods will be used to generate quantifiable data, using a questionnaire, which will be the main instrument used because of its convenience and efficiency in data collection. The different tools and data sources will be used to make triangulation feasible (Amin 2005). The primary data will be collected using questionnaires administered to individual women, FDGs and Key Informant Interviews. Key Informant Interviews will be conducted with spouses of the women to provide explanatory information about financial decision-making at the household level. Other KIIs will include LCII chairpersons and bank officials.

3.5.2 Secondary data sources

Secondary sources of data that will be reviewed include scholarly books, magazines, dissertations journals and articles. This source is useful in collecting data from already written literature for example e-books, journals, published articles and periodicals as part of literature review. Documentary resources will be classified in order to facilitate the data collection and textual analysis (Mubazi, 2008).

3.6 Data Collection Methods and Instruments

The study will adopt a mixture of qualitative and quantitative methods. Qualitative data will be collected using interview guides for FDGs and KIIs. The use of interview guides to enable data collection on feelings, beliefs and attitudes regarding the subject under study. While quantitative data will be collected using a questionnaire.

3.7.1 Questionnaire

Ahuja (2009) defines a questionnaire as a structured set of questions that are given to people in order to collect facts or opinions about something. The researcher will use closed-ended questions because they are easy and quick to answer, and they are helpful in improving consistence of the responses. The questionnaires will be administered to 217 UWEAL members of Nakawa division who have accessed bank services.

3.7.2 Interviews

According to Ahuja (2009), an interview is a two-person conversation initiated by the interviewer for the specific purpose of obtaining research-related information. It focuses on the content specified by the research objectives, description and explanation. An interview guide, which is referred to as a set of questions for which answers, will be used by a researcher to interview respondents. The use of this tool gives the researcher control over the line of questioning hence time saving. Interviews will be conducted in a quiet place without noise with the key informants like husbands of the women, community leaders and bank officials. The purpose of the interview explained, including reassuring respondents of confidentiality of the information provided. The format of the interview will be informal conversation where questions are asked, and answers recorded by the interviewer. The 20 respondents, including Husbands, Local Council II chairperson and bank officials will be interviewed.

3.8 Data collection procedure

The researcher will obtain a recommendation and an introductory letter from Uganda management institute, after which she will seek permission from the different respondents in Nakawa Division for interviews.

3.9 Data Quality Control of the Instrument

3.9.1 Reliability of the questionnaire

According Bruton (2000), reliability is established by testing the instruments for the reliability of values (Cronbatch, 1946) and analysis for Alpha values for each variable under study. Sekaran (2001), notes that Alpha values for each variable under study should not be less than 0.6 for the statements in the instruments to be deemed reliable. To ensure that all variables are subjected to this test, the researcher will use the internal consistency method that provides a unique estimate of reliability for the given test administrations. The most popular internal consistency reliability estimate has been given by Cronbach’s Alpha.

3.9.2 Validity of the questionnaire

After developing the questionnaire, the researcher will contact the supervisor and three other experts to ensure that the tools to collect the required data is valid. Hence, the researcher will ensure validity of the instruments by using expert judgment method suggested by Gay (1996). Thereafter, research instruments will be refined based on expert advice. The following formula will be used to test the validity index. CVI= No. of items regarded relevant by judges , Total No. of items judged, CVI = Content Validity Index.

3.10 Data Collection Procedures

The questionnaire will be structured and pre-tested by the researcher in Makindye Division, Kampala District since it is also an urban setting with similar study characteristics. This will be done after approval by the supervisor. A letter of introduction by the institute will enable the researcher to carry out research. It will be presented to the UWEAL leadership to facilitate the researcher access their members.

3.11 Data Processing and Analysis

This section covers methods of data processing and analysis.

3.11.1 Data Processing

In order to ascertain the accuracy, consistency, uniformity, proper arrangement and completion of the data, the researcher will use the computer for data entry, editing and data coding. The computer will be used because it increases the speed of computation and data processing and handles huge volumes of data, which is not possible manually. It facilitates copying, editing, saving and retrieving the data easier and validation, checking and correction of data.

3.11.2 Data analysis

Data collected will be checked, coded and edited for completeness and accuracy. Data will be analyzed using the statistical package for social scientists (SPSS) version 21.0 for Windows. It will be analyzed using frequency distribution tables, excel spread sheets and Spearman correlation to determine the degree of relationship between variables. Qualitative data will also be used to analyze descriptive statistics using opinions and attitudes of respondents and developing themes.

3.12 Ethical consideration

Ethical considerations will be taken care of by, first seeking authorization from the Uganda Christian University administration and other relevant authorities. Questionnaires will be structured in such a way that there is no mention of the interviewee’s name which ensures strict confidentiality in data.

Further, responses will be optional and respondents will not be given any inducements to participate in the study. Ethical considerations will be taken care of by the researcher by briefing the respondents on the purpose of the research, their relevance in the research process, and expectations from them as explained by Lloyd Bevan (2009).

Informed consent will be ascertained from informants/respondents. They will be promised confidentiality about the information they provide. The researcher will explained to the respondents the purpose of the study as purely academic and that the information obtained will be treated with utmost confidentiality. If anybody other than the University authority is to have access the information, the researcher would first seek the consent of the respondents.

3.11Limitations of the Study

The study may have the following limitations:

The study will largely be confined to members of UWEAL. Few opinions may be solicited from other women in Nakawa Division due to resource constraints which could have enriched the findings.
The study will focuse on UWEAL members, which is largely an elite group. It would have been beneficial to elicit responses from less literate women for triangulation purpose.

REFERENCES

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United Nations. (2015). The World’s Women 2015: Trends and Statistics. New York: United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Statistics Division. Sales No. E.15.XVII.8.

APPENDICES

APPENDIX I: QUESTIONNAIRE FOR INDIVIDUAL WOMEN RESPONDENTS

WOMEN’S ACCESS TO BANK SERVICES AND HOUSEHOLD DECISION-MAKING

My name is Akurut Christine, a post graduate student at Uganda management Institute. I am carrying out research on the topic “interrogating esoteric dynamics in women’s access to bank services on household financial decision-making dynamics in Nakawa Division, Kampala district. You have been identified as a key and valuable respondent for this study. This is purely an academic study that will contribute to my grade to acquire a master’s degree. Your responses will be treated with utmost confidentiality and will purely be used for the purpose of this study. I request you to spare a few minutes of your valuable time and answer some questions.

SECTION ONE: DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

In this section, kindly tick the respondent’s answer.

1. Sex: Female

What age bracket do you belong?

Below 25	26-35	36-45	45 and above

3.Marital status, Number of Children, Level of Education and Religion

Marital	status	Number of children	Education level	Religion
Married =1		1-3 =1	Primary =1	Anglican=1
Divorced=2		4-5=2	O-level= 2	Roman Catholic= 2
Widowed=3		More than 5=3	A-level =3	Muslim= 3
			Diploma = 4
Never married =4			First degree = 5	Pentecostal =4
			Masters& above= 6	Others- specify below=5

SECTION TWO: BANK SERVICES ACCESED

4.What services have you accessed from the bank in the last five years?

Savings (money)=1	Taken a loan =3	Financial skills =3	Other (Specify)=4

If you have taken a loan in 4 above, in what range did the amounts fall?

Less than 500,000 UGX
500,000 – 1millionUGX
1m -2million UGX
2m -5 million UGX
Above 5millionUGX

If you made savings in 4 above, in what range do the amounts fall?

Less than 500,000 UGX
500,000 – 1millionUGX
1m -2million UGX
2m -5 million UGX
Above 5millionUGX

SECTION THREE: HOUSEHOLD DECISION- MAKING

7.What did you use the money for?

Buying food for the family
Buying assets e.g a land (1), livestock (2) a car (3)
Medical care for child (1), self (2), spouse (3), others (4)
Paying the children’s education
Others, please specify

8.Who made the decision on how to use the money?

I made the decision alone
My husband made the decision alone
I made the decision jointly with my husband
I consulted my children
Others, please specify

SECTION FOUR: ACCESS TO BANK SERVICES ON HOUSEHOLD DECISION- MAKING

9. Has access to loans influenced the decisions made at home by the respondent

	Please indicate, by ticking in the appropriate box, the extent to which you agree / disagree with the most suitable response that are rated as Follows			Strongly disagree (1)	Disagree (2)	Not sure (3)	Agree (4)	Strongly agree
CODE
AR 1	I ask someone before I make a decision			1	2	3	4	5
	If yes in AR 1 above, who do you consult		1.Husband	1	2	3	4	5
			2 Children	1	2	3	4	5
			3. Relatives	1	2	3	4	5
AR 2	I don’t consult anyone before making a decision			1	2	3	4	5
AR 3	If yes in AR2 above, which decisions have you made using the loan			1	2	3	4	5
		1.I buy food		1	2	3	4	5
		2. I bought assets e.g a car, land		1	2	3	4	5
		3. Medical care for child (1), self (2), spouse (3), others (4)		1	2	3	4	5
		4. I pay children’s school fees		1	2	3	4	5
AR 4	I determine which school my children should attend			1	2	3	4	5
AR 5	I still don’t make any decisions on children’s education, my husband does			1	2	3	4	5

Has access to loans improved your decision making at the household?

What should be done to improve on women’s household financial decision making?

	Please indicate, by ticking in the appropriate box, the extent to which you agree / disagree with the most suitable response that are rated as Follows			Strongly disagree (1)	Disagree (2)	Not sure (3)	Agree (4)	Strongly agree (5)
CODE
AR 1	I ask someone before I make a decision			1	2	3	4	5
	If yes in AR 1 above, who do you consult		1.Husband	1	2	3	4	5
			2 Children	1	2	3	4	5
			3. Relatives	1	2	3	4	5
AR 2	I don’t consult anyone before making a decision			1	2	3	4	5
AR 3	If yes in AR2 above, which decisions have you made using the savings			1	2	3	4	5
		1.I buy food		1	2	3	4	5
		2. I bought assets e.g a car, land		1	2	3	4	5
		3. Medical care for child (1), self (2), spouse (3), others (4)		1	2	3	4	5
		4. I pay children’s school fees		1	2	3	4	5
AR 4	I determine which school my children should attend			1	2	3	4	5
AR 5	I still don’t make any decisions on children’s education, my husband does			1	2	3	4	5

12. Has access to savings influenced the decisions made at home by the respondents

Has having savings improved your decision making at the household?

What should be done to improve on women’s household financial decision making?

15. Has access to financial literacy training influenced the decisions made at home by the respondent

	Please indicate, by ticking in the appropriate box, the extent to which you agree / disagree with the most suitable response that are rated as Follows			Strongly disagree (1)	Disagree (2)	Not sure (3)	Agree (4)	Strongly agree (5)
CODE
AR 1	I ask someone before I make a decision			1	2	3	4	5
	If yes in AR 1 above, who do you consult		1.Husband	1	2	3	4	5
			2 Children	1	2	3	4	5
			3. Relatives	1	2	3	4	5
AR 2	I don’t consult anyone before making a decision			1	2	3	4	5
AR 3	If yes in AR2 above, which decisions have you made because of improve financial literacy?			1	2	3	4	5
		1.I buy food		1	2	3	4	5
		2. I bought assets e.g a car, land		1	2	3	4	5
		3. Medical care for child (1), self (2), spouse (3), others (4)		1	2	3	4	5
		4. I pay children’s school fees
AR 4	I determine which school my children should attend			1	2	3	4	5
AR 5	I still don’t make any decisions on children’s education, my husband does			1	2	3	4	5

Has access tofinancial literacy training improved your decision making at the household?

What should be done to improve on women’s household financial decision making?

TABLE OF CONTENTS

LIST OF TABLES

LIST OF ACRONYMS

CHAPTER ONE: GENERAL INTRODUCTION

1.0 Introduction