The Role of Women-led Microfinance Services in Enhancing Education and Health Accessibility in Rural Tanzania

Aims: This study aimed to assess the impact of women microfinance services on rural households’ accessibility to education and health services. Study Design: Cross-sectional research design. Place and Duration of Study: Study population came from women, members of WEDAC Microfinance located in Monduli district, Arusha, Tanzania, between March and October 2024. Methodology: Purposive sampling was employed and sample size of 339 women obtained using Yamane’s formula. Analysis of data follows provision of Descriptive statistics for Women microfinance features. Numerical data were analysed using Partial least square structure equation modelling (PLS-SEM). Results: The relationship between microcredit with a beta coefficient of 0.428 (P-value 0.000); micro insurance with a coefficient of 0.217 (P-value, 0.004); Social intermediation services with a coefficient of 0.181 (P-value, 0.022) are positive and significant in relation with socio-economic welfare of rural communities. The findings indicate that women microfinance services play significant role in enabling investments in education, health, improving household income, and reducing the socioeconomic vulnerabilities of women led Microfinance beneficiaries in rural areas. Conclusion: The study concluded that, the women microfinance services are instrumental in improving rural household education and health services also support women ability to invest in small businesses as depicted in SDG 5. Women microfinances are recommended to prioritize the enhancement of their products and services to women. Relevant agencies are actively recommended to promote women microfinance programs that aim to enhance the education and health insurance services.