MICROFINANCE CREDIT SERVICES AND PERFORMANCE OF SMALL AND MEDIUM AGRIBUSINESS IN JUBA COUNTY OF CENTRAL EQUATORIA STATE, SOUTH SUDAN

Angok Simon Akol, Dr. Isaac Abuga

Abstract


Microfinance history could be traced back to the nineteenth century when those involved in money lending operated informally, performing functions now established in financial institutions. They provided funds and financing services to small and medium-sized businesses. In many ways, South Sudan's macroeconomic situation was highly problematic. For several years, the country's GDP had been shrinking, and it was expected to continue on the same trajectory. With little evidence available for South Sudan, researchers were aware of no study that had examined microfinance services' impact on the development of SMAs in Juba, Central Equatoria state. The study aimed to examine the correlation between microfinance credit services and the performance of small and medium agribusinesses in Juba, Central Equatoria state, South Sudan. The research engaged in a case study to obtain detailed and realistic information. Pilot testing was conducted at Agricultural bank branches in Central Equatoria state. The target audience for the study was 225 registered agribusinesses located in Central Equatoria state, South Sudan. The sample size of 144 respondents was determined using Slovene's formula. Primary data collection was done through self-administered questionnaires. The data were presented through tables and figures, and data analytics were performed through SPSS V.22 software to obtain correlation coefficients. Findings indicated that while Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) offered affordable interest rates and adaptable collateral requirements, a notable portion of agribusinesses still contended with limited financial access. Nevertheless, MFIs had positively influenced loan accessibility. The study concluded that microfinance credit services in Juba County, CES, South Sudan, played a significant role in the growth and development of small and medium-sized agribusinesses. The study recommended vital steps to enhance microfinance services for small and medium-sized agribusinesses in Juba County, CES, South Sudan. Firstly, Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) should diversify funding sources by partnering with government agencies, donors, and international organizations to expand financial access.

Keywords: Microfinance Credit Services, Performance, Small and Medium Agribusiness

 


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