IMPACT OF VILLAGE SAVINGS AND LOANS ASSOCIATIONS ON THE NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF UNDER-FIVE CHILDREN A CASE STUDY IN THE SISSALA WEST DISTRICT OF UPPER WEST REGION

Abstract

This study examined the impact of Village Savings and Loans Associations introduced by PLAN Ghana in the Sissala West District on the nutritional status of under-five children in the area. The study was carried out in six randomly selected communities (Silbelle, Buoti, Kandia, Zini, Nimoro and Buo), within which this Savings Programme is in operation. The focus areas of the study were; how food is accessed in the study area, contribution of women to household nutrition, nutrition situation in the VSLA households since the inception of the programme, factors that affect nutritional status and also to ascertain the knowledge, beliefs and practices of beneficiary communities on food production, preparations and consumption. Data collected was both quantitative and qualitative and was obtained using semi-structured interview and anthropometry measurement. The result suggested that the institution of Village Savings and Loan s Associations has resulted in better nutrition and health of children in the beneficiaries’ households. It is recommended that the NGO (PLAN GHANA) should expand the coverage of the programme to more communities in the district. The recommendations also implored policy makers to design favourable policies on microfinance programmes in general.