An assessment of the utilisation of stokvels or rotating savings and credit associations to influence healthy eating in South Africa
type: CreativeWork
description: Background In South Africa, the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is rising alarmingly, closely linked to dietary habits shaped by socioeconomic conditions. Stokvels, traditional community-based savings groups, emerge as potential catalysts for nutritional intervention, particularly among urban populations facing the dual challenges of undernutrition and obesity. This extensive study delves into the roles of stokvels in improving food security, promoting health, and empowering women within the urban landscapes of sub-Saharan Africa. Methods The research utilized a mixed-method approach to investigate the role of stokvels in urban sub-Saharan Africa comprehensively. Firstly, a systematic literature review was conducted, meticulously analyzing 28 studies that delved into the socio-economic impacts of ROSCAs and ASCAs, providing a foundational understanding of the role of stokvels in the region. This was complemented by stakeholder mapping, where indepth interviews with 21 key stakeholders were conducted to identify the macro-level influencers on stokvel operations. These influencers included government policies, economic conditions, cultural norms, and technological advancements, offering a nuanced view of the external factors impacting stokvel functionality. Further, the research employed a realist evaluation, involving 60 participants, including 20 stokvel leaders and 40 general members. This qualitative approach facilitated an understanding of the contextual factors influencing decision-making within stokvels, particularly concerning food purchasing and consumption patterns. Lastly, the study incorporated a discrete choice experiment (DCE), engaging 200 stokvel members. This quantitative method assessed the factors impacting members' preferences for healthy foods, analyzing their choices against various attributes related to food procurement and consumption. Results The study's results presented a multi-dimensional understanding of stokvels' influence.…
abstract: Background In South Africa, the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is rising alarmingly, closely linked to dietary habits shaped by socioeconomic conditions. Stokvels, traditional community-based savings groups, emerge as potential catalysts for nutritional intervention, particularly among urban populations facing the dual challenges of undernutrition and obesity. This extensive study delves into the roles of stokvels in improving food security, promoting health, and empowering women within the urban landscapes of sub-Saharan Africa. Methods The research utilized a mixed-method approach to investigate the role of stokvels in urban sub-Saharan Africa comprehensively. Firstly, a systematic literature review was conducted, meticulously analyzing 28 studies that delved into the socio-economic impacts of ROSCAs and ASCAs, providing a foundational understanding of the role of stokvels in the region. This was complemented by stakeholder mapping, where indepth interviews with 21 key stakeholders were conducted to identify the macro-level influencers on stokvel operations. These influencers included government policies, economic conditions, cultural norms, and technological advancements, offering a nuanced view of the external factors impacting stokvel functionality. Further, the research employed a realist evaluation, involving 60 participants, including 20 stokvel leaders and 40 general members. This qualitative approach facilitated an understanding of the contextual factors influencing decision-making within stokvels, particularly concerning food purchasing and consumption patterns. Lastly, the study incorporated a discrete choice experiment (DCE), engaging 200 stokvel members. This quantitative method assessed the factors impacting members' preferences for healthy foods, analyzing their choices against various attributes related to food procurement and consumption. Results The study's results presented a multi-dimensional understanding of stokvels' influence.…
author: Lukwa, Akim
keywords: Public Health and Family Medicine
date published: 2024
date modified: 2026-07-22T22:22:55Z
provider: University of Cape Town
publisher: Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations
type: WebPage
source organization: Department of Public Health and Family Medicine

PropertyValue
property ID: Handle
value: http://hdl.handle.net/11427/41085