Effect of Saving and Credit Cooperatives (Sacco’s) on Economic Empowerment of Women in the Case of Adea Barga, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

The main goal of this study was to look into how SACCOs affect the economic empowerment of women in Adea Barga District, which is part of the West Shoa Zone in the Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. The study focused on two main aspects of SACCOs: the loans and credit provided, and the dividends given to members. These factors were examined to understand their impact on women's economic empowerment. The study used both descriptive and explanatory research designs, and it followed a quantitative research approach. Probability sampling methods, specifically cluster and simple random sampling, were used to allow the researcher to choose samples from the target population with some personal judgment. A total of 36 questionnaires were used to gather primary data from 186 respondents. The data was collected through a 5-point Likert Scale questionnaire and then analyzed using SPSS Version 25. The research findings show that most employees or respondents in SACCO's Cooperative are about average in their satisfaction with Loans and Credit, and Dividend Paid to Members. The analysis results showed a strong positive and significant relationship between the dimensions of SACCO's Cooperative and the overall economic empowerment of women. The variables included in the study explained 82.1% of the variability in women's economic empowerment. Based on these findings, the researcher recommends that Adea Barga District's SACCO Cooperative should work on improving its Loans and Credit, and Dividend Paid to Members. It should also make long-term agreements with key customers to build reliability and responsiveness. The cooperative should stay informed about changing needs to better understand its partners and should focus on improving the economic empowerment of women through SACCO's Cooperative.