The role of networks in determining usage of community currencies in Kenya. Issue 2 (3rd April 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kiguru, Janet Muthoni; Upadhyaya, Radha
• Is Part Of: Area development and policy. Volume 4:Issue 2(2019)
• Page Start: 201
• Page End: 216
• Publication Date: 2019-04-03
• Subjects: community currencies -- complementary currencies -- Bangla-Pesa -- networks -- financial innovation; 社区货币 -- 补充货币 -- Bangla-Pesa（肯尼亚贫民区自制货币） -- 网络 -- 金融创新; monedas comunitarias -- monedas complementarias -- Bangla-Pesa -- redes -- innovación financiera; общинные валюты -- комплементарные валюты -- Бангла-Песа -- сети -- финансовые инновации; Regional planning -- BRIC countries -- Periodicals; Economic development -- BRIC countries -- Periodicals; Rural-urban relations -- BRIC countries -- Periodicals; Human geography -- BRIC countries -- Periodicals; Regional planning -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Economic development -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Rural-urban relations -- Periodicals; Human geography -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; 338.90091724
• DOI: 10.1080/23792949.2018.1559702
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2379-2949

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Past studies have attributed the usage of community currencies to government support, community solidarity, business networks and social networks. Using a mixed-methods approach, this paper examines the role of networks in determining the usage of community currencies in an ethnically heterogeneous community. It argues that while networks are important in determining the usage of community currencies, it is not the presence of networks per se that is important, but the types of networks, the level of trust within them and the kind of information passed on within them, as well as the number of networks to which an individual belongs. The paper makes a contribution by offering a more nuanced view of the role of networks in the adoption of community currencies among the poor.