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Enhancing Financial Welfare in the Public Sector: The Role of Workplace SACCOS for Civil Servants in Tanzania

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  • Hamisi Miraji

    (University of Iringa, Iringa, Iringa Municipality, Tanzania)

Abstract

Civil servants in many developing countries, despite formal employment, often face significant financial vulnerability. Microfinance Institutions (MFIs), particularly Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOS), have been promoted as a tool for financial inclusion, but their role in serving public sector employees is under-researched. This study assesses the impact of SACCOS on the financial welfare of civil servants, using a mixed-methods case study of the Prisons Department SACCOS in Iringa Municipality, Tanzania. Data were collected via questionnaires and interviews with a sample of 64 prison workers and SACCOS management, analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The findings indicate that the SACCOS maintains strong financial stability, accessible loan practices, and effective saving mobilization, which collectively contribute positively to members' financial welfare. The study concludes that workplace-based SACCOS present a viable model for enhancing economic empowerment among civil servants. Consequently, we recommend that Tanzanian policymakers and public sector administrators actively support the establishment and strengthening of such institutions across government departments to improve financial resilience and inclusion for low-income public employees.

Suggested Citation

  • Hamisi Miraji, 2025. "Enhancing Financial Welfare in the Public Sector: The Role of Workplace SACCOS for Civil Servants in Tanzania," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 9(9), pages 9459-9466, September.
  • Handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:9:y:2025:issue-9:p:9459-9466
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Abhijit Banerjee & Dean Karlan & Jonathan Zinman, 2015. "Six Randomized Evaluations of Microcredit: Introduction and Further Steps," American Economic Journal: Applied Economics, American Economic Association, vol. 7(1), pages 1-21, January.
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