Factors affecting the choice of financial intermediaries among farmers in Lira City

Abstract

The study sought to examine the factors affecting the choice of financial intermediaries in Lira City. The study focused specifically on available financial intermediaries and their user, factors that affect the choice of financial intermediary and the challenges faced by financial intermediaries in offering financial services Central Division of Lira City. A cross sectional design was used to generate descriptive data from intermediary beneficiaries including male and females, youth and adults of different categories including entrepreneurs, farmers and investors. The key informants were also purposely selected from whom semi structured questionnaires was used to collect information. Interviews were conducted by the researcher to help easily navigate through multiple chapters that are of most interest and meet data requirements for the study. The findings of the study revealed that, the financial intermediaries mostly used were, mobile money agent, village savings and SACCO. The factors that affect the choice of financial intermediaries were distance from home to the location of financial intermediaries and the high cost of transport. The major challenges faced by financial intermediaries in offering their services were poor management by the owners, less pay for the employees and network related issues. The study recommends that there should be awareness to people about the important of financial intermediaries. This may help to widen people knowledge and increase their ability to use financial intermediaries at their convenience. The study also recommends that financial intermediary such as financial institution, microfinance, insurance need to be brought near the people at the local level so that they can access their services within their location.