Abstract: The general objective of this research was to assess the effect of financial services on the economic empowerment of agricultural cooperatives. The study focused on a population of 263 individuals from Iterambere Ry’ Abahinzi Borozi ba Makera (IABM) Cooperative. The sample size for this study was 159 respondents, determined using Slovin’s formula. Data analysis conducted using SPSS, and descriptive statistics such as frequency distributions, percentages, means, and correlations were determined to summarize the data and draw conclusions regarding the effect of financial services on the economic empowerment of IABM Cooperative. The model summary shows an R of 0.779, indicating a strong correlation between predictors and economic empowerment. The R² of 0.606 reveals that 60.6% of the variance is explained. The Durbin-Watson statistic of 1.971 suggests no significant autocorrelation. The regression model’s unstandardized coefficient for the constant is 0.642, representing the baseline economic empowerment level when all predictors are zero. The study recommended that cooperative leaders enhance recognition programs and communication channels, while farmers engage in financial literacy programs and cooperative meetings. Financial committees should refine loan criteria and update policies, and operational staff must assess service satisfaction and develop educational materials. Future researchers are urged to explore financial literacy, leadership styles, savings and credit services, and agricultural innovations in relation to the economic empowerment of IABM Cooperative.

Abstract: South Sudan’s long civil war and strife has exposed vulnerable groups to socioeconomic challenges that endanger their survival. As a result, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) have been pushed to align their services toward sustainable activities to promote long-term well-being and resilience of the impacted groups. This study sought to examine the effectiveness of NGOs in promoting economic empowerment of vulnerable groups using the case of World Vision in Juba, South Sudan. More specifically, this study aimed to assess the impact of microcredit, training, self-help groups, and cash transfers on economic empowerment of vulnerable groups. This study was anchored on Human Capital Theory, Empowerment Theory and Capabilities Based Approach. Case study design was adopted and sample of 50 beneficiaries drawn from World Vision’s economic empowerment program in Juba, South Sudan was used. Data was collected through interviews and analyzed through thematic analysis. The study found that microcredit services helped vulnerable groups to start income generating activities, training helped vulnerable groups to acquire knowledge and skills and sustain income generating activities, self-help groups supported vulnerable groups in terms of savings and group investments while cash transfer helped vulnerable groups to access basic needs such as food, shelter, education and medical expenses. The study concluded that World Vision-supported economic empowerment interventions were effective in promoting economic wellbeing of vulnerable groups. The researcher proposed that there is urgent need for economic empowerment interventions by the South Sudanese government, NGOs, CBOs, private sectors, and religious institutions to promote resilience of vulnerable groups such as the elderly and disabled.