CONTRIBUTION OF THE KAKUM RURAL BANK TO POVERTY REDUCTION IN THE KOMENDA-EDINA-EGUAFO-ABREM MUNICIPALITY

ABSTRACT 

The study was designed to examine the contribution of Kakum Rural Bank  (KRB)  to  poverty  reduction  in  the  Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem Municipality.  All  the  four  agencies  of  the  KRB  in  the  KEEA  municipality were  included  in  the  study.  The  purposive,  quota  and  systematic  sampling techniques  were  used  to  draw  384  respondents,  made  up  of  staff  and customers of Kakum Rural Bank, for the study. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data from respondents. Percentages, frequencies, graphs, charts as well as descriptive statistics were used to present the data. The results of the study revealed that KRB, with its financial and nonfinancial services, had helped in poverty reduction in the KEEA Municipality. The  study  further  showed  a  significant  improvement  in  customers’  income level; output level; savings level, ability to afford medical care; ability to cater for the educational needs of family; ability to afford good shelter; provision of nutritious  food  for  family;  and  acquisition  of  assets/properties.  Despite  its contribution towards poverty reduction, KRB was faced with some challenges which  included  high  loan  default  rate.  On  the  other  hand,  some  of  the challenges  faced  by  customers  included  low  interest  on  savings  and  high interest rates on loans. Judging  from  the  potential  KRB  has  in  reducing  poverty,  it  is recommended  that  the  bank  should  strengthen  its  loan  recovery  effort  and expand  its  coverage  in  the  municipality.  Depositors  should  also  receive interest  on  their  deposits.  Interest  rate  on  credit  should  also  be lowered.