Savings Practices And Household Income Among Small-Scale Women Entrepreneurs In Bwera Sub-County, Kasese District, Uganda
Abstract
Savings can help households manage financial uncertainty, accumulate capital, and support economic well-being. However, small-scale women entrepreneurs may face financial constraints that limit their ability to save consistently and improve household income. This study examined the relationship between savings practices and household income among small-scale women entrepreneurs in Bwera Sub-County, Kasese District, Uganda. A quantitative approach using a cross-sectional research design was adopted. Data were collected through structured questionnaires from 98 women entrepreneurs selected from a target population of 186 registered female traders. Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation and simple linear regression were used to analyse the data. The findings revealed a positive and statistically significant relationship between savings practices and household income (r = .341, p < .001). Simple linear regression further showed that savings practices were positively associated with household income (B = 0.285, β = .341, p = .001), explaining 11.6% of the variation in household income (R² = .116). These findings suggest that stronger savings practices are associated with higher household income, although savings practices alone explain a relatively small proportion of income differences among the respondents. The study recommends strengthening practical financial literacy programmes, improving access to affordable savings services, and supporting well-managed community-based savings groups to encourage consistent, goal-oriented saving. Given the cross-sectional design and the use of simple linear regression, the findings establish an association rather than a causal relationship. The study contributes context-specific evidence on the relationship between savings practices and household income among small-scale women entrepreneurs in rural Uganda.
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